Even the simple act of swinging on playground swings can induce a childlike playfulness that encourages happiness. For Christmas one year I received an anonymous gift of votive candles wrapped in hand-made paper and tied with twine. I treasured this gift above many others, because of its simplicity and creative charm, and because the giver acknowledged my capacity to imagine fanciful beings. I later learned the candles were from one of my young adult friends, another generation that has been a rich resource in learning about happiness. Young adults are beginning to test their limits as individuals, and are good models of how to be creative in risk-taking.
Childhood is still within reach, a reliable resource they are often reluctant to let go of.
I've had a steady stream of imaginative young adults in my life for several years, and feel they have generously contributed to my store of happiness. Continuing with this line of thought, another rich resource in my education about happiness has been the gift of friendship, at times from unlikely sources. For many years, I had narrowed my social circle to people with a similar professional orientation or those with similar spiritual beliefs, thinking this would adequately serve my needs for friendship. However, as I expanded my repertoire of acquaintances, I began to find myself in the company of people with altogether different approaches to life, and discovered that I preferred the variety and challenge this afforded me. Learning to be more adventurous has contributed to increased confidence and self-esteem in my own life, and I am grateful to the many folks who have inspired me to challenge myself more.