The Feeling of Happiness
A feeling can’t always be described in words – and we all have different reasons for feeling happy. For some, it’s enough to see the first butterfly of spring. For others, it might take a million in the bank to feel truly good.
We can’t be happy all the time, but there are levels to happiness. Most of the time, we remember those moments when we felt truly, deeply happy. Those are worth remembering – and worth tuning into every now and then. It makes life a little easier to live.
When I look back, there are many happy moments: getting married, the birth of my children. But one moment of joy I’ll never forget was the very first time we hosted a show with our palomino horses. I had attended evaluations, competitions, and demonstrations before – but I had never arranged one at our own place.
There was an incredible amount of work. The whole yard had to be cleaned, the horses groomed, and the children were preparing to take part in the show. My mother was there, serving hot dogs. Everyone helped out. During the preparations, there wasn’t really time to feel anything – there was just so much to do. But one moment stands out clearly in my memory.
My brother, who’s a former musician, had arranged a sound system and music for the show. He brought big speakers, and we placed him at one end of the arena. I went to stand in the middle of the riding arena to check if the sound was loud enough – or maybe too loud. The arena had just been freshly harrowed, the fences painted, and there were flowers everywhere. We had so many sponsors – one of them, a local plant nursery, had donated a huge number of flowers.
I remember standing there, in the middle of the arena, when the music started. Our farm, all the hard work, our beautiful horses – suddenly it all felt like a dream. I got goosebumps all over, and tears of joy started rolling down my cheeks. I tried to wipe them away quickly – I didn’t want my brother to see me standing there crying.
It was a wonderful day, and worth every bit of effort. I still remember it with a full heart.
Over the years, we held other events – breed evaluations, Christmas markets, Lucia celebrations, flea markets, and even a rock concert – but that first one… that’s the one I remember the best.
I’m sure you have a moment like that too. Bring it out every once in a while and hold on to it. It adds joy to life. 
