Sometimes it helps us to appreciate what we do have, right? And to know what the opposite of our depression or suicidal thoughts look like. Or to atleast know what makes us smile. What makes you happy? I'm trying to figure that out in my life right now, its so much harder than you'd think. Also, what makes you feel "balanced"?

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

"Then a woman said, Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow.
And he answered:
Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?
And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
Some of you say, 'Joy is greater than sorrow,' and others say, 'Nay, sorrow is the greater.'
But I say unto you, they are inseparable, Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and joy.
Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.
When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your job or your sorrow rise or fall."

I love all things Gibran. Barbo gave me her copy of The Prophet in 1964..I didn't remember that...she inscribed it!

What makes me happy?? This forum family..holding each other up when we can't do it ourselves. Sharing the joys and the pain...fighting the beast of depression and trusting each other enough to share our feelings.

And our dog Cassie....and Mr.Alffe and friends, family...and this beautiful day.

rain and clouds on a fall day...bright sun on the changing leaves. My son on the few occasions he ever laughs without reserve. the people who love me...the people I love.
and chocolate.

Kahlil Gibran speaks to me!

It blows me away to think how long ago this was written!

My cats .... they love me without reserve - they think I'm beautiful
and the only criticism is when I don't offer the correct treats.

Same here Wren. My cat keeps me grounded especially when she poops outside the box!

I have been thinking on this very subject now for a while. Last week joy bubbled out of my heart "just because" no particular reason.....I realized in that moment that I can just "be happy" and I also realized that I hadn't been, or felt joy in quite a while. I managed to hang onto it for a while. Then I fell into the pit again because of the memories and pain of losing a child when he was seven in a very nasty situation. I really let that and some other very trying situations bring me down. I loved and love this child with all my heart. And I fear he will never know it. But, I am getting off the subject. Truly, real joy and sorrow spring from our hearts.

I think the greatest gift we can truly have is peace. To have a sense of peace whether we are joyful or sorrowful, that is my goal. I know it is within us and is possible. There are times when I can manage it, other times I fall.

So, that being said, my friends, family, and God make me happy, oh, and my dog when I can be around her.

Try to remember to say "I'M WORTH IT" when you seek your moments of happiness. You ARE you know! Love, Barbo

This truly makes me happy everytime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I&ob=av2e


David

More happy tears - thanks David.