we now return to our scheduled programming.

"something someone told you about yourself  that you'll never forget."

a few months back
i was talking to a friend
who was going through a rough patch.
she emptied her heart to me
and i picked up the scattered pieces,
hugging them close.
i let them sink into my bones
and crawl up to my heart.
it hurt.
it hurt my heart to see her cry.
to hear her story.
to witness her pain.

cory was away on business
and  in the middle of her heart pouring,
she asked how he was.
slightly stunned, i replied with a simple,
"good."
not wanting to smile too much
or turn the attention away from her.

she stopped and looked at me and said,
"brissa, don't you ever apologize
for having a good marriage.
you should never have to feel bad
about that."

and suddenly,
i was the one grateful for her.
grateful for a friend who, despite her heartache,
wanted me to be happy and proud and in love.
people amaze me.

i often think back to that night
and her words.
i find myself adjusting the phrasing to make it
apply to more than just my marriage.
"don't you ever apologize for having
a happy life.
a steady income.
the option to not work.
an incredible family.
amazing in-laws.
a cozy apartment."

it took me that night to realize
none of us should ever have to apologize
for anything wonderful we have in our lives.
instead, we should be grateful
and humbled and thanking the heavens
every day for our blessings.

don't hide your happiness.
others need to see it.
they need to feel its warmth.
they need to know it's real.

don't hide your happiness.
spread it.