Dear Kid,

Once upon a time, I had a different blog. Don’t be upset, that was long before you ventured off to college and I began this blog (which is clearly more important to the survival of the Universe). I occasionally wrote good things on that blog (and by “occasionally” I mean “usually”.) I don’t know that many people ever read that blog. I’m almost positive you never read that blog.

The following is one of the blogs I wrote back in 2010. It seems like an appropriate reminder as we start 2014.

I am in charge of my own happiness. And I have plenty to spare if you need additional happiness in your life.

I am in charge of my own happiness but Booker is in charge of licking my feet.

I am in charge of my own happiness. Under no circumstances am I in charge of housecleaning.

I am in charge of my own happiness. Which is why my children have learned to close the doors to their rooms.

I am in charge of my own happiness. My paycheck does not define my joy or my reason for living. It is, however, a nice plus.

I am in charge of my own happiness. Smiles from friends, relatives, and affectionate children only add to my happiness.

I am in charge of my own happiness. Not the color of my hair which I pay someone else to be in charge of.

I am in charge of my own happiness. I am not in charge of all the diets in the world because if I had my way there wouldn’t be any calories in chocolate.

I am in charge of my own happiness. I am not in charge of my mother-in-law. I’m sure she would agree.

I am in charge of my own happiness. My editor is in charge of capitalization and spelling.

I am in charge of my own happiness. I am not in charge of the weather.

I am in charge of my own happiness. And the remote control. Definitely the remote control.

I am in charge of my own happiness. And my own jewelry. Except the paying for it part. Someone else can be in charge of that. Any volunteers?

I am in charge of my own happiness. And my husband’s. When Mama’s happy, everyone else is more likely to be happy.

I am in charge of my own happiness. Hence, my frequent shopper cards at places like DSW and Macy’s.

I am in charge of my own happiness. Having wonderful friends and great kids makes it that much easier to be happy.

I am in charge of my own happiness. Comments on my blog do not define my happiness. But they certainly don’t hurt (feel free to add your comments below).

I am in charge of my own happiness. What about you?

What makes you happy? What are the things you do to be in charge of your own happiness?

Hope 2014 is treating you well so far. Love you kiddo.

Love, Mom

I’d love to read your thoughts about happiness. Please feel free to leave your comment below. Need an idea for increasing happiness? Why not Like DearKidLoveMom on Facebook? I can’t guarantee it will make you happier, but it can’t hurt.

Dear Kid,

It’s official. You’re a high school graduate. I know because we got your transcript in the mail today.

It’s the first day of Summer. I know because I looked at the calendar. It is officially time for grilling, sunscreen, s’mores, and lightning bug filled evenings.

It’s World Music Day. Also Go Skateboard Day.

And it’s Grandma and Grandpa’s anniversary (Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad!)

It’s also What Were You Doing a Year Ago Day (I just made that up). But think about it for a minute.

What were you worrying about a year ago? What things were stressing you out? What were the things that seemed like Earth Stopping Problems?

I’m guessing you’re not entirely sure.

Life is long (God willing); minutes are short. Choose to remember and celebrate the good things: graduation, anniversaries, s’mores. Let the small things, the things that you really won’t remember a year from now, go.

And please call Grandma and Grandpa today.

Love, Mom