A Happier Life
Is happiness overrated? There are many pursuits that people engage in that bring happiness, but is this happiness satisfying or long-lasting? Have you ever known anyone happy all the time, never had any setbacks along life’s way, and just lived in a peaceful, blissful state? I haven’t lived that kind of life, and nobody I know or have ever met seems to have had it all together or had that kind of life. There are people like the Dalai Lama who’ve spent years in meditation that may be the closest to being this way. Despite all his setbacks along the way, he laughs all the time.
I seem to recall that years ago; there was a book called “Laughter is the best medicine.” A good laugh really does wonders for the body, mind, soul, and spirit. It’s a nice feeling to be able to spontaneously laugh by oneself or with others – at a funny joke, movie, or just while having a great time. A happier life will certainly result.
I had the opportunity to laugh at and with myself spontaneously a week ago. It did me a world of good. The place where I’m staying in Mexico is next to the Marina. The building is in a beautiful setting and hosts fine events like weddings every weekend. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching the guests arriving, followed by the wedding party, seeing the decorations and beautiful lighting, fresh flowers arriving for the occasion, listening to the music, the fireworks display, and all the other aspects of a fine Mexican wedding. This was all from a distance sitting in my condo.
This time I decided to go over and take a closer look at the events and take a few pictures. There was a young, pretty girl in a flowing pink dress with a flare, surrounded by many people. Others were hovering around on the deck where the ceremony usually takes place. I assumed that she was the bride and was captivated by the splendor of the occasion and the décor.
I thought to myself that maybe in Mexico, brides sometimes wear pink. I kind of wondered where the bridegroom was as I didn’t notice any male figure in a tuxedo or anything like that. I didn’t dwell on that for too long as I wanted to check out the area around the pool where I had seen tables set up for dinner in previous weeks. I hurried up the flight of stairs to get there.
It was magical up there. The tables were beautifully prepared with mostly pink flowers, pink napkins, fine Chinaware, and cutlery. Some gentlemen were hurriedly putting the finishing touches on the area in preparation for the wedding party and guests who would be coming up. There were trees with lights all around, and it was a fairyland in my eyes. The workers did not as much glance at me as they were so busy with their work. I took my photos very quickly and left – happy and satisfied to have had this close-up view of things. I would enjoy the rest of the celebration from my own home as I had done in past weeks.
On Sunday morning, I posted some photos I had taken on Facebook saying that the event was next door, the bride wore pink, the table décor was all pink, and so forth – it seems pink was the bride’s favorite color. After lunch, I was on the computer and checked Facebook. Many people liked the photos, and there was a comment from a niece in Florida. She said that what was taking place was called a “quinceanera” – a coming-of-age party for a young girl. It was like the Sweet Sixteen that is sometimes held for girls in other countries. It was a Latin custom, she noted.
Well, I laughed heartily at my faux pas, mistake, lack of cultural awareness, ignorance, or anything else you might care to call it. I laughed inside of myself every time I remembered and laughed loudly throughout the afternoon as well. I thought to myself that it was no wonder that I didn’t see a bridegroom. I laughed again. I also hoped that people reading my Facebook post would see what my niece had told me and know I had been completely mistaken. This wasn’t a wedding at all!
I concluded that it wasn’t just the external factors like warmth and sunshine and a meditative time that brought me a reason to be happier. It’s all that I’m doing and learning while I’m here as well. A happier life can come in the most unexpected places while we are doing the most unexpected things. A happier life can come with a good belly laugh at oneself! Expect the unexpected.
