Century City is offering a drive through parking lot experience called “The Happy Place”. We jumped at the chance to safely take our children…anywhere. The drive through lasted about ten minutes: a series of instagrammable scenes to help convey the definition of one’s happy place. A bathtub overflowing with bubbles, candy lane, a field of flowers, unicorn crossings, geographical depictions of beautiful California, and even, an inside your car dance party. Lots of smiles, giggles, and the appropriate end of ride question, “It’s already over?”
This week seems to be the opportune time to ask where one’s happy place may reside. For as many of us experienced Thanksgivings away from loved ones, the holiday reminded us that happiness does not really take shape in the form of an overabundance of pies or a perfectly cooked turkey. Those things are nice, even appreciated. But if we can name what it is or who it is that truly makes us happy, then, Thanksgiving becomes a holiday of action: expressing gratitude for those that fill us up.
On Thanksgiving morning, my youngest son toddled over to the kitchen table and climbed into my lap. Thank God, he is still interested in cuddles and snuggles. As I began to pull away, he pulled me closer and said, “Mommy, you have to stay in the hug.” While I may have utilitarianly been used as a blanket, for me, he serves a much deeper purpose. That hug, those cuddles, my loved ones serve as my happy place.
And for that, I give so much thanks.
Pirke Avot asks the question, “Who is happy?” The answer: “The one who is content with his lot.”
I am so grateful for my “lot”.
Who is your happy place? Who defines your “lot”? Don’t waste a second of this week of Thanksgiving without giving…thanks. Call them and remind them of how much they contribute to who you are. How they fill you up. How they help you feel a sense of satisfaction, hope and love.
May it be a Shabbat of gratitude and thanks.
Shabbat Shalom
