Happiness Is...

Sheri and Bill Eppright
Jul 16
4 min read

Updated: Jul 18

Beautiful image of sunrise with quote "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Abe Lincoln. Original photography by Sheri & Bill — "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." (Abe Lincoln) Original photography by Sheri & Bill

There’s something about early morning light that feels like a promise. Before the rush of the day begins, when the world is still stretching and yawning, the soft glow of the rising sun reminds us that a fresh start is always possible. In that golden hush, happiness doesn’t feel like a pursuit - it simply is.

We spend so much of our lives chasing happiness, imagining it as some grand moment on the horizon. But often it shows up in quiet ways: a warm mug between your hands, the sound of bird song through an open window, or the comfort of being seen and understood.

Happiness hides in plain sight, like the first sip of coffee,

As the sun’s rays warm the wakening world.

It is found in the pages of a well-worn book,

And the taste of something sweet at the end of day.

Happiness is the scent of rain on thirsty ground,

Or a favorite song swirling through your mind.

It is found in the laughter of friendships renewed

And dances like fireflies on a warm summer night.

Happiness intertwines with the fabric of now,

As a gentle reminder that joy is nearby.

Not a place or destination, but a soft gentle breeze,

That whispers “Here I am…I am what you need.”

(by Sheri Eppright)

Sheri: In creating this poem, I understood more fully that happiness is not a destination, but instead a series of fleeting moments that can be found and enjoyed in our daily lives.

Bill: Happiness is creating a “win-win” situation. For instance: 1) You tell a dad joke to lighten the mood. Everyone groans but also grin - and so do you, 2) You volunteer to walk your neighbor’s dog. They get a break and you get your steps - and several new squirrel stories.

Positive Reflections

Sheri: Yesterday we sat outside together on the patio after dinner. As I checked out the flowers still in bloom and listened to the birds still singing in the early evening hours, a sense of calm and happiness came over me. Here’s to finding happiness in the simplest of places!

Bill:

I’ve been told happiness is a choice. That may be why I like a full-bodied smorgasbord - Lots of choices. Yum. Speaking of reflections – I also like the way a smooth wave-kissed beach mirrors the morning sunrise. Always a winner.

Music Corner…

This week we’re highlighting songs that carry the spirit of lightness, simplicity, and contentment.

Sheri: Ok, here are my two contributions:

“What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong

It’s gentle and warm and reminds me to see beauty in the basics — trees of green, skies of blue, friends shaking hands. A timeless reminder that joy lives in plain sight.

“Happy” – Pharrell Williams

This one’s impossible not to smile to. Whether I’m walking, driving, or just cleaning the house, it brings a bounce to my step and proves that happiness really is contagious.

Bill: I want to go out on a limb here and highlight one of our songs:

“Feels Alright” – Sheri & Bill

It isn’t world renowned (yet!), but it sure has been a favorite with our fans. And, it makes me feel good whenever I hear it.

What are your favorite "feel good" songs?

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