I think I might have figured out why that sad pack of humanity in Washington DC are all so unhappy all the time. They have no happy place. They have places where others can be miserable which allows them to be seem grander, and they think that makes them happy, but it doesn’t. They have places where they can openly insult, harass, and persecute others, and they can feel superior thinking that makes them happy, but it doesn’t. The have places where they are expected to lie, cheat, and steal resulting in the collection of more wealth than one person can spend thinking that makes them happy, but it doesn’t. No, none of that does. None of that makes for a happy place.
A happy place is that placed where you can smile and although others may not understand, you smile so big that they will smile along with you. There are three things necessary for something to make you happy. It has to be pleasing or contented. It has to be satisfying. You have to be confident that what is pleasing to you isn’t harming anyone else.
And if you want to move from happiness to ecstasy, encourage someone else to be happy. No, don’t just encourage them, help them to find their happy place and to be happy.
Last week in ROAMcare’s Flashback Friday post we discussed happy places. I’ve written something similar in days gone by. Regarding happy places, the things that stop you in your tracks and bring a smile to your face, that these are not the pillars of happiness, the really big life changing events that come to mind when you think life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness type happiness, but are the little things that are part of getting us from one hour to the next, the things that turn drudgery into something faintly tolerable. They are the things and places that barely register to the rest of the world yet bring you profound happiness.
There is a destination in Pittsburgh that personifies happiness. Called an artistic wonderland, Randyland, founding in 1995 by Randy Gilson and Mac McDermott, is a massive, unique outdoor art installation that captures the fun in everyday, reused, and upcycled material. It grew from Gilson’s pre-Randyland days when he engaged in “guerilla gardening,” turning vacant lots into explosions of color and life.
Randyland is a happy place, one of those unusual spots that, although not for everyone, is for everyone, and is where you can’t not find something to smile about and leave happier from. It is unabashedly one of those quirky places that nobody was ever going to say couldn’t be done. And it doesn’t hurt anybody.
Find your happy place. You can do it. And others around you will be happier for it too.
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Well said. You’re right that it is the little things that are part of getting us from one hour to the next. Without little daily treats [food or joy] I’d fall apart.
Said a mouthful. I’ve gotten through many unpleasantness but the right song, or flower, or bauble of some sort brought the smile back,, and as long as I’m smiling, I can handle it.
Beautiful! Thank you for all of this, my friend. Great inspiration to start the week! 🥰
Thank you Vicki. You’re one of the people/thought/thing that just about guarantee a smile!
Awww! And I think I owe you an apology. I dunno what’s up with WP but I think I missed more than a couple of your posts last week. They weren’t finding me in the WP Reader for some reason. So sorry about that. Sending big hugs to you, Michael! 🥰
It’s summer. WP probably took some extra time off.
Love your attitude! No doubt…xo! 🥰
Randyland – I love the color and concept. You’re right – happy places do matter! Thanks for the Monday inspiration, Michael!
Yes, it’s filled with color and wonder. If you’re ever in the zip code, you should visit
Michael, know that you bring a happy place every time you write a blog. It’s not the big, expensive, luxury things that bring happiness–those things just make you nervous that someone will take them or wreck them. Finding joy in people, in relationships, in the beauty of the outdoors can bring a smile to my face every time. And this Randyland sounds delightful. We need more people to bring smiles to others with random acts of goodwill and fun. Which you do. You always make me smile. I do believe it’s one of your special superpowers.
Randyland defines delight. It is undeniably a happy place and it’s filled with intentional acts of goodwill and fun! I’m not sure I always bring a smile everywhere with me but I try and I thank you for your kind words. What I lack in superpowers, there are the Randys of the world to make up for it.