for a mellow sunday

how the days sounds- greg laswell
everything- stereofuse
fire and rain- mat kearney
belle of the boulevard-dashboard confessional
....and from another time, a song i will always love-
all i want is you- U2

don't worry, live happy

last year my resolution for the year was pretty simple: be happy.

bobby mcferrin just had it right when he sang that little diddy about anxiety-free living. speaking of which, i dare anyone not to be able to feel just a little bit happier when listening to a man with long dreads, joyful eyes and a bright, beaming smile singing over a tune that you can actually whistle too! genius in its simplicity and delivery, I can see a Sesame Street segment just waiting to happen featuring the 'don't worry, be happy' song-- except for the fact that when hearing this same song I also picture myself with a pina colada in hand, strolling along an empty beach, swaying my head back and forth to the tune while closing my eyes and smiling into the sky, which I'm sure in itself would scare many a child viewer out there. but i digress...

last year had many moments which lended themselves to being happy, and many moments that were just as trying. this year im hoping for more of the former. ive made a real effort this year to declutter things around me. whether that be my office space, or living quarters; it feels good to have a place for everything. and im not getting freaked out if something doesnt have a place, because ill find a new spot for it, or better yet: create one. heres the point in my ramble, where i realize how metaphorical i am really speaking...im not referring to just an errant sock i misplaced, but rather in terms of all aspects of my life. armed with my faith, my family and my steadfast inner circle, anything can come my way, and i know i will be alright, and if theres no place for it, ill deal with it as it comes.

and if its one thing ive learned from last year, its to enjoy every moment with every special person in my life, and also to look at everyday things in a new light. and that activeness is what makes my resolution different this year. its more than maintaining a happy countenance, but its actively seeking my happy. to stop and remember, to hold, to experience, to appreciate, to give back, to laugh and to love.

what's different too, is that im beginning to see that my dreams arent so far away, they're actually within my reach requiring just a little more action, and i will do everything to see them come into fruition. sidelines, no longer my friends! ill stay with my resolution for last year, but really just change one word, with a more verb-like mentality.

and so this year, i hope to:

live happy.