May the Budgie of Happiness Sit on Your Head

My grandmother, Mimi, was a great solitaire player. My family legacy is mainly memories, so I especially cherish my few tangible mementos. Especially a photograph of Mimi, when she was in her mid-70's, sitting at the kitchen table, solitaire game in progress and a small green "budgie" (aka parakeet in this country) atop her head.

You need to realize that my grandmother was a lady. She'd been an executive secretary in her working days, and there was a dignity about her that somehow hadn't translated into subsequent generations. Genteel, she was. Prim. Proper even.

That's why the budgie picture is such a delight. If it is possible for my grandmother to relax enough to tolerate a bird in her hair ? and allow a photograph! -- then it is possible for anyone to let go, let down and play. She knew what could happen. She knew what birds do . . . and she yet, let it sit there, let this fragile little creature just be.

The approaching summer will bring opportunities, and if we're not careful we'll find ourselves too busy . . . too tired . . . too dignified . . . too preoccupied . . . to step outside the lives of our safe and comfortable everyday. We'll be too worried about being careful . . . to concerned about acting our age . . . too busy thinking about tomorrow to pay attention today.

And yet: When something knocks on your door and asks, "Can [your name] come out to play?", remember. You can't know if this invitation is one of many or the last one that may come your way. Life is like that.

I have a new bumper sticker that says, "Don't Postpone Joy." I think this is what Alice Walker had in mind when she wrote, in The Color Purple, "I think it [irritates] God when you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it" (Those of you who remember the book will realize I've tidied up the verb somewhat, although I admit the sentiment was more effective written her way!)

Joy, playfulness, doing your version of letting a budgie sit on your head ? these are our human way of saying "thank you" to the Universe for the gift of life ? long life, short life, whatever weeks and days and years remain.

So, here's my summer wish for you: Let the budgie of happiness sit on your head. Recognize there are consequences, but live with it. Let your motto be, "Don't Postpone Joy." May room for happiness, make time for play. Every day.

Copyright 2005 Maureen Killoran

Maureen Killoran, MA, DMin, is a Life Coach who specializes in liberating people's strengths, values and passion. Don't miss Maureen's great new e-workbook, "Spirit Tickling: A Workbook for Curious Souls" -- a selection of her absolutely best articles, with questions to encourage your path of personal and spiritual growth. And for ongoing connection and monthly inspiration subscribe to Maureen's free e-zine, Seeds of Change. http://www.spiritquestcoaching.com

---

Be Happy, Join The Wednesday Worry Club

Of all the people who know me, no one would... Read More

Quick Tips On Staying Positive In A Negative World

Looking for a way to stay positive in a negative... Read More

What The Bleep Are You So Happy About?

Could you stand to have a lot more happiness in... Read More

Increase Your Happiness - Look Forward With Hindsight

Six months ago you had trouble finding your keys and... Read More

Happiness - A Matter of Focus

Imagine for a moment you have been given a task.... Read More

Self-Worthiness

Worthiness-word origin. Worth and worship both come from Old English... Read More

Life Management Skills for Greater Happiness

"Circumstances are the rulers of the weak; they are but... Read More

Happiness Is In Our Own Hands

Other people can bring tremendous happiness to our lives but... Read More

Having Fun with Life

It was just a few degrees shy of swimming weather... Read More

The Science of Laughter

The title I chose for this article makes me smile.... Read More

You are Where You are Because You Decided to be There

The decisions we make everyday have a big impact on... Read More

What Is Happiness?

What is it that everyone is seeking? Happiness with no... Read More

How to Find True Happiness!

To maintain an unchangeable sweetness of disposition, to think only... Read More

Are You Hooked On Love?

When you're in love your eyes and your face light... Read More

Many Blessings

"Reflect on your present blessings of which every man has... Read More

Ode to Chocolate

Chocolate delays reality. When I am eating chocolate, everything is... Read More

Love, Uncles, and Etymology

Thwack! . . . Thwack! . . . Thwack! Steven... Read More

Where do we Find True and Lasting Happiness?

For the longest time I was convinced that I was... Read More

Give a Hug for Happiness

Hugs have a long and honorable tradition, going back to... Read More

Hanging Out

Right off the top: What is the difference between dating... Read More

The Gift is in the Giving

I have to be honest. I made the woman cashier... Read More

Keeping You Confident!

We can all be confident when we are sure of... Read More

You Can?t See Your Own Eyes

My friend called me this morning from her favorite coffee... Read More

Happiness Without Prescription

As life and lifestyles speed up, so does the growing... Read More

How Good Are You?

The demands of being a good person can sometimes mean... Read More

Most of Your Unhappiness in Life is Due to...

I want to share with you today one of those... Read More

How A Psychovirus May Be Destroying Your Life

A pervasive sense of low self-esteem, a feeling of unworthiness,... Read More

How To Focus On The Positive Qualities Of Your Relationship

The quality of your life has a strong connection with... Read More

Follow Your Bliss

Gail was a quiet, shy, young lady. She has been... Read More

A Great Life? How to Score Your Life

Is your life really the life you want?Quickly determine how... Read More

Happiness

Without getting into the core basics of philosophy, I will... Read More

10 Steps to Happily Ever After

Do you know what all happy and healthy marriages have... Read More

What is Happiness and How to Achieve It?

True happiness is such a rare commodity that the whole... Read More