The Art of Happiness I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had started reading this book, Art of Happiness, based on a recommendation from my friend Josh. Not only is Josh one of my oldest friends and knew me "when", I can always depend on him for sound advice based on his knowledge of "me"; while some people just talk to you and tell you things that are unhelpful and have nothing to do with you or your experiences. Anyway, Josh recommended to me that I read The Art of Happiness. He recommended this several months ago and has gently, yes gently, reminded me at each twist and turn and stabbing pain I've confessed, that I really, really, "hey you, no, seriously, you really need to read this book!"

I hear you, man, read the book, I get it. Josh wasn't the valedictorian of our high school class for nothing (no, really, he's brilliantly smart AND covered in tattoos, and for some reason that lends credibility for me). This book is amazing, and can I tell you? I'm only about 75 pages into it. Yes, me, the speed reader, has taken a full 3 weeks to read 75 pages. It's because I've read these same 75 pages over and over and over again. Seriously.

I'm still struggling with ups and downs and regulating my moods. I'm still finding myself a bit overwhelmed at some curveballs that have been thrown at me. For some reason, though, I'm ok with this uneasiness that I feel. I'm ok with this weepy feeling that I keep having come over me. I mean, for someone that didn't cry for over 10 years, I'm probably due for some tears at inappropriate times. Tears that I can't really explain, you know? The reason I'm ok with all of this and I'm starting to get more comfortable with the ideal of the unknown in that tunnel on this path of life that I'm walking I think has everything to do with the one revelation that I'm taking from those scant, but oh so important pages. What is that revelation, you ask?

Are you ready for this? It's really quite simple:

Happiness isn't so much a state of being, but a way of life.

Yeah, stick that in your craw and chew on it awhile. When it hits you, I promise you'll never feel the same in your own skin again.