Happiness and Fireworks

This past weekend was the Fourth of July. I walked into the stadium where the town fireworks would be set off and a group of kids pushed past me, excitedly talking about how great the fireworks were going to be. I settled down behind them and their joy during the show was palpable. They were completely in the moment. At the end of the night I walked out after them and heard them reviewing the show – which explosion was the best, how funny it was when there was a dud. They didn’t know it but they were exercising a great happiness activity – savoring joy in three time periods. Positively fantasizing about the future thing, mindfully appreciating the actual event, and then rekindling enjoyment afterwards. Three times the happiness for the price of one! Never pass up a deal like that.