Happiness in Poetry and Song

I actually already posted this on my other blog, but I'm pretty sure happiness is something we can never have too much of. So I'm posting it again. Anyway, this semester I am taking a poetry class and we had to read a myriad of poems and then choose one to which we would write a response of sorts. I really liked one called The Secret by Denise Levertov.

The Secret


Two girls discover
the secret of life
in a sudden line of
poetry.

I who don't know the
secret wrote
the line. They
told me

(through a third person)
they had found it
but not what it was
not even

what line it was. No doubt
by now, more than a week
later, they have forgotten
the secret,

the line, the name of
the poem. I love them
for finding what
I can't find,

and for loving me
for the line I wrote,
and for forgetting it
so that

a thousand times, till death
finds them, they may
discover it again, in other
lines

in other
happenings. And for
wanting to know it,
for

assuming there is
such a secret, yes,
for that
most of all. 


And here's my attempt at poetry...


In response to:
The Secret

There is a truth
universally known:
We want what we 
can't have.

Ageless beauty, endless life
sought after by all
and lost looking for
the Fountain of Youth

Temporary fix, forgotten troubles
late nights drowning in that liquid gold
but with the morning light
regret comes knocking.

Every cupboard and corner
is meticulously scoured
searching for that awe-inspiring treasure:
the key to happiness.

It is accepted 
that such a thing
does not exist
but...what if?

What if there was
a key to happiness, a secret
and we could have it?
Would we take it?

What if happiness was 
as simple as 
loving your neighbor:
your friends, your family, your God?

What if happiness was 
not about having what you want
but wanting what you have?
What if.


Well there you have it, my first poem of the semester. Keep in mind it's only a rough draft. Anyway, hope you liked it! Smile and be happy today! Remember, your Heavenly Father loves you and is always there for you if only you're willing to ask. President Obama gave a very good quote during his inaugural address. He said, "We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." That's how our Heavenly Father works. He is willing to help us, he is begging for us tolet him help us, carry us even. We just have to ask and allow Him into our lives. If you need a little something else to brighten your day, play the following song. It's a sure-fire way to put that extra bounce in your step and give you that feeling of "I'm awesome and I can do this!" 

Make it a great day! =)

The Curve of Happiness

You know how, when you're learning something new, you do really well at first and then not so good for awhile and THEN you really get it and start progressing quickly? Well happiness is kind of like that sometimes. So, instead of the learning curve, it could be called the happiness curve. Or the curve of happiness. I like the sound of that better. In a way, it's like a roller coaster.
So what brought me to this conclusion? I was walking through a field the other day, chopping away at weeds, when I realized just how far I'd come since Seth left. I still miss him. A lot. Everyday. I still break down and cry sometimes. The difference is that now the moments of weakness pass quickly and overall I am much happier.
Lets start at the beginning, part one of the happiness curve: doing well. Before Seth's two years began I felt like I was the luckiest, happiest girl on the planet...because I had a great family, great friends, and an amazing boyfriend. Then he left and part two began. Driving away from his house after his farewell, knowing that I wouldn't see him again for, yes I know, a long time, was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I was grateful that my dad was driving the car because I may have wanted to turn around and go back, I did want to. The next few weeks were...rough. I was so upset I didn't want to eat or be around anyone besides Seth, but that obviously wasn't going to happen. My days were all pretty much the same for awhile. I cried myself to sleep, woke up, cried some more, went to class (where my classmates probably thought I was emo because, on the really bad days, I'd wear my hood up so people couldn't see me cry on and off throughout class.), come back to my dorm room between classes and cry some more. I know, I was a baby. I tried to control it, I really did! I just couldn't seem to get over how much I missed my best friend. I'm sorry this all sounds so mopey and depressing, but don't worry, the good part is coming. The best advice I'd ever received about the situation was from a former MG who told me the most helpful thing she did was pray. So, I prayed all the time. Once as I drove I had a nice three hour conversation with my Heavenly Father. It really did help!
About a month and a half or so after Seth reported to the MTC I somehow got this idea that all I needed to do was start casually dating and then I'd be happier. After all, I thought, Seth had told me before he left that he wanted me to date because he wanted me to be happy. A friend told me it was about time to get back into the dating scene and another MG told me that the time flew by faster when she dated. That was the key, I was just sure of it. That mindset lasted about two weeks.
Since then I have gone on a few dates and I have had a really good time. If anything, though, these have reassured me how much I love my missionary. More than anything they increase my appreciation for what I have, even if I have to wait for it awhile. I know it isn't fair to those who I go on dates with, but I cannot help but compare them all to Seth, in every way. My mind is always racing with thoughts like "Seth doesn't dress like that. He wouldn't say that. This guy doesn't look like Seth." Truth of the matter is, he's not Seth. No one is. I won't find my "Seth" for 19 more months because he is in South America. And you know what? I'm okay with that.  I am so proud of him! I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm finally on step three: I get it. The best part is that as Seth is out growing as a person and increasing his testimony in the Lord, Jesus Christ, I am too. When he returns we will both be better, stronger people more fit for our lives together. So for now I am going to read and re-read his letters. I am going to immerse myself in the role of a missionary girlfriend and try to keep up with him as he becomes the man I want and need. Most of all, I am going to enjoy the ride. After all, I'm heading up on the curve of happiness and the view only gets better from here. =)