I recently attended the wedding of my beautiful cousin’s youngest son to a lovely, lovely girl.
My cousin came up to me at the wedding with tears in her eyes and as we hugged, she asked in quiet voice if it was possible to be happy-sad.
I smiled and assured her it definitely was possible and was perfectly acceptable.
If you’ve never experienced “happy-sad” it’s when you are deliriously happy and heart-wrenching sad all at once.
While my cousin was thrilled her son found such a wonderful girl to love and marry, she also experienced sadness that her last little chick was officially leaving the nest to go build his own with his bride.
I sometimes think those happy-sad feelings aptly define the term bittersweet.
I also think some of our best memories can come from happy-sad experiences. Maybe it’s because there are two such strong emotions flowing through us at the same time.
Whatever the reason, allow yourself to fully feel and experience those happy-sad moments. When you look back on them, you’ll be glad you did.
***
Each Monday I share my thoughts on happiness in my own personal Happiness Project for 2014. Feel free to post your thoughts or comments on happiness.
