How are you?

I was at a dinner at the shul the other night. I happened to be more inside the kitchen than the dining hall that night, which I think probably put me in a better mood, but not very sociable. So at the end of the evening I finally make some small talk.
"How are you, S.P.?" asks a woman with whom I'm friendly, but not particularly close.
"Thank G-d, I'm okay. How are you?"
"Wonderful!" she said enthusiastically, and I couldn't help but be happy for her.
"Wow, that 's great to see you so cheerful. Something special going on?"
"No, not particularly, but isn't it nice to make someone excited? That is why I am trying to always answer exuberantly."

Now I am usually not one to preach putting a smile one your face to make yourself happy: the "fake it 'til you make it" school of thought.  But as I have said before, I'm usually a smiley person, and I think it is a good quality.  So when I am in a good mood, I had been trying to be as enthusiastic as my friend above.

And I have been in a good mood, which is amazing considering the stressful time this is, choosing a school for my son next year.  I believe I am really coming to accept that the wasband cannot hurt me.  Well, of course he can; maybe more just internalizing that I can go day to day without worrying how he will hurt me. Maybe that sounds extremely weak advancement, but in fact it is a fantastic improvement. And I am concurrently, although slowly slowly, accepting that I can really depend on Heaven to watch over me. Everything looks a little brighter today.  I didn't even hate my job so much, it seemed somewhat hopeful. 

And look at this beautiful thank you gift:

I had been helping a young women with a project for her graduate studies. Her whole family is so good to me, I was thrilled to help. She wrote the most "Whoohoo!" thank you card, I again could not help but be happy for her.  I look at the flowers, and I am happy all over. And as an extra bonus, it helps keep me motivated to keep the apartment a little tidier, so I can enjoy the flowers in peace of mind. Not everyone likes the smell of lilies, but I do - I love everything about lilies.

Yay, happy.