"Happiness is the way"

This is for a few special people on my mind lately:

• my kiddos who can't wait to be "big enough for _____" (fill in the blank with developmental milestone of your choice)

• the other mommas like me eager to move beyond "this stage"- whatever the current challenge might be, but also wishing they could keep their little ones little

• the family member coping with the continued consequences of a terrible violation of trust

• the co-worker anxious to find a full-time job and "start life"

• and the wonderfully strong woman whose diagnosis this week shocked us all into remembering to treat each breath as a precious gift.

"For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin- real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. Happiness is a journey, not a destination."

— Souza