The Search for Happiness

The Search for Happiness Is the Artist’s Way

The Search for Happiness is my main goal. I relish the short but important one’s. Hugs from my husband as he assures me everything will be all right. First cup of aromatic coffee in my favorite cup from the Cluny Museum in Paris. My eye catching the movement of 2 deer at the feeder, as they blend in with the tawny woods. The warmth of the fireplace as the wind howls outside. Ice packs on an aching shoulder. The return of the bird songs in the morning.

Happiness is ultimately a frame of mind. It’s definitely a personal feeling that only you can create. Sometimes it comes on the wings of ‘things’. A real card or letter from a friend. The surprise cookie that appears for shoppers at a store. A great one is an unexpected compliment for something you’ve done.

Secondly, there are those who seek it in accomplishing something new. Some learn new recipes, or continue to refine another language. I’ve just taken the most amazing color mixing class that blew me away. But the best part is that this is something that I can use to create new art filled with my imagination and wonder. That’s a whole different kind of happiness.

The third way to happiness is immersing yourself in an experience. Do you prefer to do it alone, or be involved with a group? Are you a book club person, or happy with just you and a book? Everything we do on the search for happiness reveals something about ourselves. All our judgements about things or people tell us far more about ourselves than about the trigger. Are you able to create and share your gift with the world? If not, what holds you back?

Ultimately, it always comes back to doing art for me. To be able to interpret an image, then allow intuition to carry me forward is so freeing. I stay loose, play with different tools, and now mix wondrous colors as I move forward in a creative life. This is happiness. I feel an inner peace, excitement, curiosity and creativity unlike any other action.

Dragonfly Art Program is a monthly search for happiness doing art. Join an encouraging online group to successfully make art regularly. Enter into your world, and totally immerse in the process. What can you do today to put yourself in the happy place? Does a monthly art theme sound good to you? Can you make a habit of living a contented life? Let’s talk below.