The Calm After the Storm

We're in some deep shit. Some seriously deep shit. Chest-deep shit.

It may be a bit ironic that I have decided to write a happiness blog at a time when smiling seems to be a mortal sin. Everywhere I've looked, everybody I saw, everything I thought of, was not happy. So why write a happiness blog now, when happiness looks as if it fell in love with the storm, went along with it to China (where they drown in people, not water) and left us here in this unfortunate predicament?

On the contrary, I think this is the perfect time to define happiness for us. This is the perfect time to look for the beam of light that passes through a little crack in the wall of this dark stormy prison we call our country. It's going to be hard to find. It's small, it's insubstantial. But when you find it, it's going to feel like summer vacation. You're going to stay by that light like you were a moth, as if that light was everything you ever asked for.

We need that light right now.

Inhale as much air as you can right now. Now breathe it all out. If you can do that, be happy. You're still alive. Some people have waterlogged lungs right now. Some people aren't as lucky as you. Be happy.

Are you seated comfortably right now? If you are, be happy. You still got a seat to sit on, a floor to put the seat on, a house to have a floor on. Some people can't even remember how the tiling on their living room looks like because it's been underwater for such a long time now. Some people aren't as lucky as you. Be happy.

Worried about the homework due Wednesday? If you are (or should be), then be happy. You still got a school to go to in Wednesday. Some people don't even have a school anymore. Some people aren't as lucky as you. Be happy.

Talk to your friends in YM right now. If you can, be happy. Your friends are still alive. Some people have been left all alone, without friends and family, after the flood. Some people aren't as lucky as you. Be happy.

If you're reading this, be happy. It means you still have internet, it means your computer's still working, it means you still have spare time to waste. Some people don't even have computers on their own lucky days. Others can't even dream of spare time during these times. Some people aren't as lucky as you. Be happy.

Worried about sleeping too late? If you are, be happy. You can still sleep a full 6 or 8 hours. Some people can't even sleep because they don't have a place to rest. Some people can't sleep because they're too traumatized by what recently happened. Some people, though asleep right now, will never wake again. Ever. Some people aren't as lucky as you. Be happy.

It takes a big-ass storm and a Chuck Norris-type disaster for us to realize all these things. A spray of cold water isn't enough for the hibernating bum. Even a bucket of freezing water isn't enough. You're going to need a damn tsunami to wake that guy from his deep stupor.

Little things we take for granted everyday. Little things we forget to appreciate. They make us happy.


*I know this is kinda wrong, but... I just had to vent out. :-??