I don’t know what makes you smile, laugh, or feel good, but you deserve to be doing more of it. A lot more. In fact, you deserve to be so giddy your cheeks hurt.

The happiest day in eleven-year-old Aaron’s life was when he went hunting for the first time.

“All he ever wanted to do was go hunting,” says Aaron’s mother. “His daddy was a big hunter and fisherman.”

Was.

But Aaron’s daddy died in a car accident many years ago. He never got a chance to go.

Enter Joe Seuferer, neighbor and avid hunter, who just moved in next door with his girlfriend.

The first things little Aaron noticed were the Browning stickers on Joseph’s truck. One thing led to another.

Aaron’s first buck was a six-pointer.

The best moment in eighteen-year-old Erica’s natural life was her first guitar recital—which happened last week.

As a girl, Erica lost two fingers in a ski-lift accident. She’s been wearing her sleeves long ever since.

A year ago, she she saw a YouTube video of a man with no arms, playing guitar with his feet.

“When I saw that guy,” said Erica. “I was like, ‘I got no excuses.’”

Erica claims that after learning guitar, she feels she can do anything.

Forty-three-year-old Danny just experienced his happiest earthly day acting in a Hollywood Western.

The lucky dog.

Producers put him on a horse and dressed him in full cowboy regalia.

“I was an extra,” said Danny. “It was like living a childhood dream.”

Danny started riding horses during childhood. He wanted to be in rodeos, but it was not to be. His family went bankrupt when he was a teenager, they sold the farm.

“Losing everything at that young age was traumatic,” he said. “I quit riding altogether.”

Today, Danny makes good money pushing a pencil. He has a wife. Two kids. He pays the bills.

He started riding again last February.

When a friend arranged for Danny to be in a movie, he nearly had a heart attack.

“I got to ride with the outlaws. I know it sounds silly, but I was REALLY happy.”

Seventy-four-year-old Mary Lee’s happiest minutes were seeing her grandbaby, Grace, for the first time. Grace was born with Down’s syndrome. Her birth mother put her up for adoption—post-birth.

Mary Lee heard about the child and suggested her daughter apply to adopt.

“My daughter can’t have kids,” said Mary Lee. “But we knew she was meant to be a mom.”

So, Mary Lee and her daughter spent the first eight months in a hospital, watching Grace undergo heart operations, surgeries, and illnesses.

Bringing her home was a victory.

On Grace’s first overnight stay at Grandmama’s house, Mary Lee didn’t sleep a wink.

“That’s the most beautiful child I ever saw. She makes me so happy.”

Happy.

I don’t mean to point out the obvious, but I’m going say it: you’re not going to live forever. Neither am I.

I don’t know what makes you smile, laugh, or feel good, but you deserve to be doing more of it. A lot more. In fact, you deserve to be so giddy your cheeks hurt.

And if for some reason, you aren’t happy today, then find someone to make happy.

And you will be.

17 comments

  1. Peg - June 2, 2017 12:22 pm

    A homerun! Heck, a grandslam!

    Reply
  2. Laurie Ulrich - June 2, 2017 12:26 pm

    Three months ago a friend gave me a copy of your book, and suggested I subscribe to your daily post. I lived in rural Kentucky for four years and still miss the slower pace and simple realities of living in the South. Now I read your posts daily, along with my scripture and daily prayer reminders, and am blessed beyond saying by your insight and writing style. Most mornings I am overfilled with joy — which means I’m moved to tears. Thank you, and thank God, for bringing the often-overlooked joys in life to attention.

    Reply
  3. Linda Lewis - June 2, 2017 1:24 pm

    Your writing never fails to get me – get me to FEEL, to react. Today’s was especially good, if that’s possible. I reblogged your post on my blog this morning. I gave people a link to your work so they can subscribe.

    Another note: I noticed that the link ‘Sean of the South’ was not working. The ‘Sean Dietrich’ one is fine.

    I’m delighted I found you and your writing. Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Bobbie - June 2, 2017 1:38 pm

    Yes sir.
    By the way, your posts make me happy!

    Reply
    • Sharon - June 2, 2017 3:37 pm

      Me,too.

      Reply
  5. Laura Young - June 2, 2017 1:44 pm

    What some take for granted others may struggle to achieve- such with those in your story today! Sometimes some little success comes seemingly out of nowhere like the job in the western for Danny or the baby for Mary Lee’s daughter. I think God surprises us with such things. Great stories Sean. You know what makes me happy- your stories every day- even when they make me cry. I look forward to them. Thank you!

    Reply
  6. Teresa Lovejoy - June 2, 2017 2:09 pm

    GREAT – just GREAT! If you realized how many people you make happy you would ?!

    Reply
  7. Jack Quanstrum - June 2, 2017 2:39 pm

    Wow, Sean your advice to me hit the spot, I have friend who had been trying to get that through to me forever and about 2 to 3 weeks ago it happened. I have been so happy that I can barely keep my self from jumping out of my skin. I am grateful to her and grateful for you. She is the one that turned me on to you. I look forward to your writings and stories with exciting anticipation. And thank you for the availability of being able to comment back. I love expressing my thoughts through writing and I get to do that with you and your readers. I had quite writing after college and so now, I shout WOW!!!!!!. I am happy! !!!!!!!!!! Beyond compare.

    Reply
  8. jamie - June 2, 2017 3:02 pm

    The November elections and the following aftermath left me devestated and depressed. A very good friend counseled me with the timeless advice: “Don’t let them steal your joy.” Life is much better for me now living by that advice.

    Reply
  9. Laura - June 2, 2017 3:58 pm

    I read and share your articles on a regular basis. I think this one may be my favorite. I sent it to all my loved ones. Thanks so much for your sage advice. You are truly a blessing!

    Reply
  10. Melissa Roth - June 2, 2017 4:27 pm

    Sean, this is one of the best blogs you’ve written. You are so right. Happiness is a decision. You get up every morning and you choose to be happy or to be sad. None of us are going to live forever so why wait to choose happiness? Happiness doesn’t depend on lots of money or anything else. If you look for the Happy you will find it. Choose happy. Thank you for this article. I am more than happy today. My daughter woke up from a coma this morning and asked for me to go get her a coffee. Coffee will always be happy for me from now on.

    Reply
  11. Susan in Georgia - June 2, 2017 6:04 pm

    My HQ ( HaPpY Quotient) just soared while reading your blog today 🙂

    Reply
  12. Jeannie - June 2, 2017 6:37 pm

    My husband suffers from severe depression. I am a very positive person who always see the good (sort of like you). I wish to goodness he could just “talk himself” into happiness. I will be honest, some days I do get a little down when he seems to be going backwards even with all of the treatments, medication, etc. I call a friend, take a walk, reread your blog, go do something for somebody. It works for me-lifts me up. Unfortunately, it does not for all. Thank you Sean. And non of my business, but ever think about adoption? Our adopted daughter is the joy of our lives!!!

    Reply
  13. Sherry Kughn - June 3, 2017 10:30 am

    I am like you, happiest when writing. Being a free-lancer is the best job I have ever had besides being a mom and grandmom. Not one of those three things ever felt like a job. Only one pays a little money, but my happiness is not tied to money.

    Reply
  14. Dave Helms - June 5, 2017 2:25 pm

    Wait, what. You got a book? May have to hunt that up.

    Reply
  15. Ben smith - July 27, 2017 2:22 pm

    That’s a fact.

    Reply
  16. Robin cotton - July 27, 2017 11:56 pm

    This was one of your best . I cried. And I’m making sure I share you with everyone I love. Your words touch me in a way I can’t even understand. Thank you for sharing your gift with us! Just curious? Do you read these comments? Blessings upon you ! Robin

    Reply

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