Finding Happiness Wherever You Can

Sugar gave me a great object lesson on happiness and joy today. I walked into the kitchen to find him bathing in the cats’ water fountain! He was obviously enjoying himself, grinning at me with a twinkle in his eye. Once he understood that it was all okay, he resumed his bath, slinging water everywhere and dunking everything he could.

He wasn’t going to feel guilty or glum; he was going to enjoy whatever he could. I was happy that he found a larger place to bathe than his water bowl, as it helps him shed the dust that is normal for cockatoos. Whatever goes into the water doesn’t end up all over my shirt, right?

The world is struggling on almost every level, and no one is unaffected. It’s easy to feel guilty because we are not suffering to the extent of others, but Sugar is showing me that I need to loosen up a little and enjoy whatever I can, wherever I find it. Now is not the time for parties or celebrations, but it’s okay to do something enjoyable.  

We hear on the internet how so many people are either on self-improvement, home improvement, or ambitious projects right now – if they aren’t so shocked or depressed that they can’t get off the couch. I think that Sugar has the right idea. Just small pleasurable things can be a help to get us through the day. We don’t have to feel guilty if we aren’t learning a foreign language or getting buff. It’s okay to gently ease through this time, adding a bit of joy wherever we can. It’s okay – Sugar said so!