Happiness is a state we all strive for

The pursuit of happiness can be rewarding in itself

Working hard towards your goals

Knowing there will be pleasurable rewards along the way

I do enjoy those simple moments in time like a glass of wine or a fine meal

Or simply watching the sunrise

Or riding my bike and enjoying the view

Or writing a poem

Some folks are too busy to enjoy the simple things

Gulping down coffee while on the phone as they drive to work

If they could take away time pressures and work interruptions

They could get pleasure from simply making the morning coffee

Smelling those wonderful aromas and anticipating the taste

Savoring the flavor while marveling at a beautiful sunrise

At what point does this all become hedonistic

Is there a sliding scale of hedonism that ends in constant pleasure addiction

If so where would you put yourself on that scale

Would constant hedonism become boring?

Perhaps we all need periods of strife, pain and despair in our lives

For they make us appreciate even more the gifts of good health and happiness

I try to stay focussed during moments of pleasure

Telling myself to remember how good it is

Reminding myself of how fortunate I am

Hoping that it will last for a long time

Always striving to share that happy moment with somebody

Perhaps bringing someone a little unexpected joy

If for some reason I cannot enjoy a particular moment in time

Then I tell myself it won’t be long before I can again

I am a part time hedonist

And a full time optimist