Happiness is like light in that it has wave/particle duality. It comes both as a flow of energy and in discrete foil-wrapped packets of dark chocolate. It is both an outcome and a process.

Happiness can be pursued, but it often arises unbidden, when my focus is not on being happy, but on being of service to others. I’ve been working from home this week, using earbuds when I place calls to my patients for comfort and for privacy, but my husband can still hear my end of the conversation.

“I’m sure your little chuckles help to raise your patient’s spirits,” he said yesterday.

Chuckles? Some patients have told me that I laugh a lot, but I’m not usually aware of it. Today, I paid attention. I had laughter in my voice when I told my patient, “You’re always fine!” This prompted prolonged giggling.

“I guess I do always say I’m fine.”

In these days of telephone encounters, “It’s good to hear your voice” has been a frequent statement. Sometimes my patient says it first, sometimes I do. It’s a way of showing connection. And for me, that leads to happiness.

Question: Are you aware of what makes you happy, or does it arise unbidden when your focus is elsewhere? Share your perspective in a comment below.