Happiness
…Is completing a race
Without mercy
Bent over, gasping for air,
Completely. Run. Out.
…Is throwing caution to the wind
And hiking to the edge of the world,
With eyes wide open
And looking over.
…Is putting one crampon-ed boot
In front of the other
Climbing relentlessly
Long after I thought I couldn’t.
…Is savoring the perfect shot of espresso
On the ragged cliffs of the Napali Coast
Returning from Kalalau Beach
With my best friend.
…Is cycling into the wind
Grinding uphill in lowest gear
Shredding my quads
With tenacity and silt between my teeth.
…Is launching my kayak
Into roiling whitewater
And dropping in
Because I am afraid.
…Is cleaning my P229
Stripping it down to the frame
Oil and solvent blending in air
Finessing the GSR from the barrel.
…Is finding just the right words
In time and place and sacred space
Giving up, giving back, giving in
To the endless filibuster within.
…Is an unexpected compliment
From an authority on the subject
Offered generously, with open hands
And no exclusions or conditions.
…Is meeting a perfect stranger
And finding a valued friend
Across a lifetime or a continent
Walking hand in hand.
…Is Loving with eyes wide open
Knowing that imperfect diamonds
Throw the very best rainbows
When flashed in brilliant sunlight.
….Is forgiving myself
In finishing each day and being done with it;
Forgetting blunders and absurdities
As soon as they creep in.
…Is engaging in the process
Embarking on the journey
Liking myself the more
For traveling here, this way.
…Is enduring much
And letting go
Of absolutes and dogma
That pasteurize a healthy faith.
…Is embracing change
Leaning in to the sharp points
Scraping ice from mountain goggles
And hearing a summit sunrise.
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Add your thoughts, tell me what makes you
Happy.
Here.
