being happy.

I am so thankful for my mom for so many reasons.  One of them is that she has been such an amazing teacher to me.  I have learned lots of valuable things from her, but I think one that I am most grateful for, is this: "you are as happy as you make up your mind to be."

We all know that life can be full of lots of goodness, but there are also times of heartache, illness, death and disappointment.   I have watched my parents handle lots of tough times with grace and optimism, and choose happiness.  No matter what comes our way, we can choose what to do with it.  This is such a liberating philosophy once you embrace it. 

And I think if I had to pinpoint how I've been able to live such a happy life, it isn't because it's been free of distress, but because I was taught how to be happy... you are as happy as you make up your mind to be.  Abraham Lincoln learned this from his mother and I learned it from mine :)  I love you my cute marm and happy birthday!

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image: 

marm and three of her granddaughters, ella (hiding), brynn + ava carmel