This past week I have shed tears of joy, thanks to the birth of a beautiful new Granddaughter. This is my first Grandchild and I had no idea until this past Wednesday the emotions this event would bring forth. There are no words ...

With that said (or not said, as the case may be), this wave of euphoria that I am still riding has helped me to better recognize and understand the difference between joy and Happiness. Yes, I did catch myself more than once this week, saying, "I am so Happy," yet in reality what I was feeling, was Joy. (I know ... Semantics; but as I have stated throughout this site, Happiness is not an emotion.) Regardless, I think many would agree that emotion can easily distance or even banish reality and rationality, but that is okay because we can also learn from that emotion. When we regain some sense of normalcy (reality) we can build on or from that emotional state to or towards a higher order state of being. From anger we can move towards patience or compassion; from shame or regret we learn to accept humility and we add to our limited wisdom; from grief or sadness we can build towards a greater goodness; and from joy we can increase the length and frequency of our Relative Momentary Happiness.

To My New Grandaughter: I look in your face and feel a warmth I have never felt before. I know we will learn from each other; I know we will grow together; and I know we will add to each others' Happiness for years to come. Thank you for becoming a part of my world, and I look forward to becoming a part of yours.