by Maggie Mae

Created on: December 12, 2008   Last Updated: January 13, 2009

Happiness is the best emotion to have in your life. It is sometimes difficult to find and enjoy. Everyone's definition of happiness is different. The key to being happy is to know yourself. What makes you happy? What brings a smile to your face? <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

In our world, there are many pressures. The economy is poor. If you measure happiness with material possessions, then you may become unhappy. It is a struggle to balance budgets to get what we need, yet find money for things we want. I make a list when making a decision. Do I want or need the item? It comes down to what are wants and needs in my life. So what if I cannot have the item. I have my health, a husband, and children. My one son has cerebral palsy. I look at the pure love on his face when he smiles. He is one source of my happiness. He was supposed to die. His identical twin brother passed away. After that, it was difficult to find happiness, but I decided that I could either let my tragedy turn me into a sad woman, or to triumph over it. I chose to triumph. That is what everyone must do. In life, it is not just the material things that matter. You have to look at what you have done with your life. Am I a good person? Do I do good for others? Do people smile when they see me? If you answer yes, then you can find happiness in the knowledge that others need and want you in their lives.

It is not always easy being the mother of a special needs child. There are times when I feel burdened. I do get sad. When that happens, I think of his twin. I think about how I could have lost him too. I cannot imagine life without him. His love is pure. Who could want for anything more than pure love? Treasure the things and people in your life. No one knows how long we will have them. Just remember that when you pass away, it is not the material possessions you take with you. It is the love in your heart and the love you put in the hearts of others that remains. I lost three babies to miscarriage and buried one son. I know how short life can be. Take time to make happy memories. Do not regret wasting one minute of your life. Make the most of what you have. You may not have the chance to get what you want.

This brings me back to wants and needs. We can say either I want a television, or I want to love my family and friends. I want to buy things, but I need to not stress over bills. If you realize that your desire will be too much money, then compromise and reward yourself with something in your budget. I personally like a dark chocolate bar every once in a while. That is a small reward that brings a smile to my face and one pound to my waist, but oh well, it was worth it. I can always take a walk with my family to burn off the calories and make memories. That is what brings a smile to my face.

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