As I sit here in lotus position upon my mountain top (remind me to bring a pillow next time), I’ve come to contemplate something no great philosopher has ever thought of before: The Secret to Happiness. What brings happiness? Living in a country where each is free to pursue their own, it’s no doubt different for everyone. For me, it’s being productive – especially when it has to do with creation. Whether it’s a project I just finished for a client, or having written a song – that’s the absolute best. Where I get most of my “highs.” It can also come from being productive in other ways. Making a particularly succulent beef bourguignon, for instance. (Ask me for the recipe.) Or finally cleaning up my office. (I can breathe better!) Anything, big or small, that I can accomplish to my own personal satisfaction makes me happy. Temporarily, at least. And that’s the catch.

Creativity. Productivity. As with anything in life that isn’t permanent, it ebbs and flows, often influencing my moods. So what can sustain us in between? Keep us buoyed during the down times? Or all the time? In light of all this heavy pondering, I’d like to share the lyrics of a song I wrote recently that might provide at least one answer. 

Picture it being sung by a guy. A real character with a twinkle in his eye. Not a spring chicken, he’s been around the block several times and after experiencing life’s ups and downs and witnessing much, has gained this bit of wisdom...

THANKS TO GRATITUDE

Written by Laura Stigler-Marier

Well I may never get to Easy Street

But I walk to town with shoes on my feet

No, that ain’t my McMansion on the hill

But my four walls keep out the evening chill

And my job may not be what dreams are made of

But at least...I ain’t been laid off

Yeah, compared to most my troubles are few

And the ones I got 

With the help of God 

I manage to get through

Yeah happiness ain’t nothing but an attitude

And I am one

Happy son-of-a-gun

Thanks to gratitude

Ya know, Easy Street has got its share of potholes

And what’s behind them mansion doors, God knows

As perfect as that other side may seem

Up close, the grass ain’t always all that green

Rich or poor, we all got our problems

If you’re alive...you got ‘em

Ah, but compared to most my troubles are few

And the ones I got 

With the help of God 

I manage to get through

Yeah happiness ain’t nothing but an attitude

And I am one

Happy son-of-a-gun

Thanks to gratitude

Thankful for my friends

For my simple life

And thank you Lord for sending me

My saint of a wife

Ohhh, happiness ain’t nothing but an attitude

And I am one 

Happy son-of-a gun

Yeah I am one 

Lucky son-of-a-gun

Thanks to gratitude

It’s all about gratitude

Thank you, gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

--Laura Stigler

P.S. If you would like to hear the melody, contact me and I could send the scratch track. Trigger warning: I’m singing it acapella. 

“Thanks to Gratitude” c2021 Laura Stigler-Marier & Ken Marier