Ever since we met, I was struck by how happy Rosario is. Rowing
a boat across the beautiful turquoise bay, he told me how much
he enjoyed his job, appreciated his family, and loved living by
the sea. He could view his life differently: “I’m almost thirty and
still single, and my job takes me away from family and friends.”
Instead, he sighed contentedly, “Il mio cuore è veramente pieno
di gioia.” (“My heart is truly full of joy.”)
At first, I thought he might just be simple-minded: How could
someone be so upbeat all the time? But as I got to know him,
I realized that his happiness is genuine. He lives fully in each
moment, appreciates the simple things in life (as well as the
complex), and often bursts into spontaneous play.
In one week, I learned more about true joy from this young Sicilian than I had in my entire life so far. The guy has simply decided
his time on this planet is going to be fun. He’s not naïve to the
struggles around him, nor free from struggle himself. He just
chooses to approach life with a positive attitude.
Somehow, we’ve convinced ourselves that joy is something we
have to spend a lifetime working toward. But even by diligently
chipping away at our negative habits and thoughts, we might
never get a piece of that all-elusive happiness.
What if it’s a lot simpler than that? What if it’s a lot more fun?
What if, like Rosario, we decide that happiness is possible right
now?
Horrible rainstorm or private dance party? It’s our decision.
www.lauriegardner.com
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 145