Because Apparently, Happier People Write

My 2015 goal is to be happy. This was a goal I pretty much avoided for the majority of 2014, so I'm excited to reinstate it, Auld Lang Syne and all. The NYT just reported that apparently, those who write are happier. Or something along those lines. Anyway, I took it as a nudge to get back on ye olde blogge and start a-writin'!

And I already feel happier!

Magic!

Let me explain why I named this blog "Subways with Buddha." Well, first, why don't YOU think about what YOU think it means.... reflect on it... change it up a little... ok no you were right with your thinking the first time... ok now you're just being critical.

So with this title, my thoughts are this: I grew up in Virginia and lived there the majority of my life. Now, I live in New York City. And I  don't know about the rest of you, but for me, it seems easier to find peace and zen when you're sitting next to the James River versus when you're sitting next to a crazy person on a subway heading to 6th Avenue (note: out of all the avenues, I think I resent 6th the most).

I thought long and hard about moving back to Virginia this past summer. However, that change would not have felt like a happy relief. It would have felt like a resignation. Throwing in the towel with my dreams piled on top. So, I chose to stay in NY and make the best of what truly is an incredible city full of opportunities. I know that I get bogged down in the details of stuff, though. For a person like me, "full of opportunities" equates to "too many opportunities and I can't decide which one to pick so let me not pick one at all."

I don't want this to be the 2015 me! 2015 is the happy me! And happy people look at opportunity as a positive, beautiful open door leading to who knows where... but probably somewhere good. I can guarantee it leads to somewhere better than what's happening in that waiting room, with the door shut.

And yeah, the door might shut on you literally as you're going through it, for example on the SUBWAY. "SUBWAYS WITH BUDDHA." Now you see how this is all tying together. If the subway door shuts on you, I guarantee it will open again. And you'll be able to get on that subway and ride. And always remember you have a little Buddha next to you. Or within you. Or within this blog. Or at Namaste Bookshop at Union Square. They have lots of little Buddha keychains and knickknacks.

2015, we are ready for you.