Keep It Simple

WE ARE TOLD AS LITTLE KIDS that finding happiness means you’ve found the right partner and a career that is changing the world and that every social interaction looks like a Kim Kardashian Instagram post. With age comes wisdom and I’ve learned that none of the above is a guarantee for happiness.

I’ve been working on finding moments of happiness versus a permanent state of unbridled, unrealistic bliss. It’s the tiny little things that seem to make my world go ’round these days, like a good manicure, a particularly good cup of coffee, a walk among the redwoods or a random conversation with the grocery store clerk. I’m finding connections with nature, with people and, most important, with myself. I find my mood is elevated for a short burst and that’s just enough to carry me though until the next meaningful interaction. That is what I call happiness: simple moments strung together like Christmas tree bulbs providing little bursts of light. Individually it’s not much, but together these moments reveal a beautiful portrait of a happy life spent finding the joy.

I’m reminded of the Henry Ford quote, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.” Our little company is, in fact, a success because we are working together and celebrating the talent within our team. Nothing makes me happier than talking about the skillfulness of each of our teammates. Dina Grant is by far the best client advocate I’ve ever worked with. Casey Gillespie’s ability to synthesize ideas into concrete concepts wows me. Dan Jewett’s way with words and genuine curiosity about people is inspiring. And that’s just a few of our crew! I can go on and on about each person who makes our company exciting, creative, nimble and better every day with their uniquely vibrant ideas and passion.

The task of finding happiness is never complete. Find the people and things that make you happy and hold on to them. Enjoy the little moments and your place in them. Indeed, Marin is the perfect backdrop for a beautiful life — taken one step at a time.