My writing career began ten years ago with my articles published locally and nationally. As a beginner, I was happy to be on my way, writing and learning as much as I could. With two little kids underfoot, as well as working full-time, it was really difficult to make time for writing, but I managed.

Readers told me they laughed, cried or were inspired by my articles. But they didn’t know what was really going on behind the typewriter. I was not a happy mommy, and found it difficult to enjoy the little things in everyday life. In short, I was not a happy person.

I realized I had to make some changes. I started walking every morning. It cleared my head, allowed me time to think, gave me fresh air, and made me feel invigorated（精神焕发）and healthy. I was eating wisely, and the weight started to go. I started a new job, joined a monthly writing chapter, and was determined to keep up my walking. Finding the balance was something difficult. But I was determined to fit in writing because it made me happy. Surely I loved to watch the news and have my tea, but that wasn’t what made me truly happy.

My own happiness has shown through my family, my job performance and my attitude towards challenging situations. I again have readers telling me the effect my writing has had on them, with some able to get on with their own writing because of my articles.

It was up to me to make it happen —my own happiness. One step at a time and one word at a time. And I did it.

I was headed out the door the other day with my two sons. We were going to drive to the local grocery(杂货) store to pick up a few things that we had run out of during the week. I shut the door quickly because my dogs were already barking at being left behind in the house. We headed down the hill but when I reached into my pocket for the car keys, they weren’t there. Shaking my head, I walked back up the hill and saw my keys still dangling from the hook（挂钩） where I always hang them.

This, of course, isn’t the only time I have forgotten something recently. In fact, it seems to be happening more and more. There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t forget something and then remember it later in the day or misplace something and have to go looking for it. The medical professionals all reassure (使...安心)me that this is a normal part of getting older. They say not to worry about it and to take it with a smile. I am doing my best to do so.

May you always remember the important things in life: You were created in love. You were created to love. You are called to kindness and made for joy. You can make a difference in this world with every choice you make.