The Trivial Pursuit of Happiness

Perhaps spoken from my Taoist beliefs, when I doubt I am here for a specific purpose in life, I can at least discern that experiencing growth from any type of experience is something positive and purposeful in of itself. Why write this now and not before or later can be explained by a recent visit to a medium. I wasn't really seeking answers, but nonetheless, I received answers to questions I didn't know I had. The statement "everything happens for a reason" is not just a cliche; there is a specific reason for the timing of everything we experience. My sister suffered from severe brain damage for most of her life, yet I didn't ask why until she passed away at 15. Perhaps I wasn't ready to ask that question until I was old enough to find the answer, but I have known that her purpose in my life was to teach me compassion, which wasn't only her purpose, but also her gift. She was one of the spirits that came through during my session. She thought I was mad ...

I think of Josh and Jennifer often, but there are certain days of the year when I feel compelled to write down just how grateful I am to have had them as a part of my life, even if for only a short time. Much of who I am is because of them. I regret that they were both taken from my life way too soon, but I will never regret the time they were in my life and the lessons each of them taught me, and continue to teach me. I know if Josh and Jennifer were still alive, I would still be searching for a purpose. Part of my purpose began with the lesson I learned from having a sister born with severe brain damage; her purpose was to teach me compassion for those with literally no voice. I am grateful I can use my voice to help others. My sister also taught me to appreciate what I have regardless of material possessions, because I have my health. Jennifer was only expected to survive until the age of five or six and lived to be 15; she was incredibly strong for all the health problems she fac...