"There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path.” — Thich Nhat Hanh Isn't it true that it's hard to be happy if we continue to chase after things while the goalpost keeps moving? What if we just choose to be happy, period?

A big thank you to all who showed up for our first ever Fireside chat! Our discussion Tuesday was to share a piece of wisdom that someone shared with you that stayed with you. As I was preparing for the chat, I realized that advice, and wisdom, are two different things. So I brought it to the group for reflection. Advice vs Wisdom. When someone asks for advice, where do you pull the answer you provide from? Prior experience? And if so, can it be a blanket piece of advice no matter the person or situation? Or do you pull it from prior experience and share it as wisdom; well earned and simply suggested as an option for them to consider? Here are some talking points we touched on, and a couple we did not: Advice feels like pressure, and wisdom feels like permission. Advice tries to solve the moment, Wisdom helps people see life differently. Advice comes quickly, wisdom usually comes slowly. Advice assumes the same solution will work for everyone, and wisdom leaves room for different paths. Advice tells people what to do, wisdom shares what someone learned. We also discussed the question, Why? A few years ago, I was discussing my bookshelves in my office in Connies group, and as I was wrestling with what should stay and what I should let go of, I said, well if I get rid of everything I will have empty shelves, and she said, "so?!" I was struck. Not fill every space? Tough to comprehend. She continued on, when someone makes a suggestion to you- or asks you to do something and you immediately come to the negative answer... "I can't have bare shelves" or "I can't go swimming because I don't wear a swimsuit any more" or "No thanks, I don't dance." (or anything like this) just ask yourself "Why." Maybe you really do want bare shelves. Maybe you do want to swim. Maybe you'd love to dance. This was a great slice of wisdom back then that I think of even still. I love being around a campfire with you guys❤️ -See you next week! Jess

What is something simple that made you smile this week? Sometimes the small moments are the ones that stay, heal, nurture, and ground us.

@Julie Wynkoop - Welcome to the group. Excited to hear about your travels to/from the grands. This idea has been tossed around in my household as well. Would love to chat about it! Glad you're here!

@Ellie Santra and welcome to the group. We look forward to getting to know you a bit better!