Escape From Reality

Once upon a time there was something called a "Happy Place".  A special kind of place to escape from reality now and again.  Composed and shaped from memories and whatnot, happy places have the unique ability to soothe the soul, at any given time or place. 

It wouldn't be surprising to learn that we've tapped into our happy places more often than usual during the past year.  Quarantines, social distancing, and sheltering in place have given new meaning to the phrase "cabin fever".  It's quite possible that the happy places held deep within our psyche deserve credit for helping us in keeping our sanity during 2020.   

My happy place has a bit of a twist, as I've neither seen nor been there.  Nonetheless, a place that I think about, with a hope that when this whole thing has ended, I will actually visit, to say "thank-you" for being my little get-away from the day-to-day doldrums, and the uneasiness that seems to come and go without warning.

This particular happy place is located just outside of Dallas, Texas.  A little piece of land where my Aunt & Uncle have built their farm, a place which has become their sanctuary from the world of covid.  I imagine my Uncle Tom happily working around the farm while Aunt Sharon listens as he whistles the tunes that get stuck in his head.  I imagine the peace of mind that such a place brings, almost magical in allowing for every protocol, while avoiding the side effects that words such as "shut down" and "sheltering in place" bring to mind.  

There will never come a time when "Happy Places" become obsolete or outdated, and that in itself makes my heart happy.  Whether they be contented memories carefully nestled away for the ages, or an empty parcel of land, simply waiting to be fashioned into a Happy Place existing in reality.  Happy Places truly help us in our pursuit to live happily ever after.