The hibiscus knew. It was brought in for the winter from our backyard and stands watch over its real resting place through the window that brings it light. Today as I stood reading the article about how Minnesota is one of the ten ‘happiest’ states in the country, the hibiscus bloomed its big salmon face toward me. Winter? Hah! Cold? Hah! Gray skies? Hah! "Look at me.", it said. "Watch me bloom." So, there I was, eyes not quite open, coffee just poured, flannel pajamas still wrinkled from sleep, the hibiscus flashing its showing smile. What else was I to do but smile back? After all, I live in a happy state.

I am sure the experts were surprised. Minnesotans often are portrayed as somber, quiet, loners. We have that whole Lake-Woe-Be-Gone thing going on and then there is the snow……and the cold….and cold ….and the snow. I think what this study done by Mental Health America teaches us is something most of our mothers told us. Attitude matters. Sometimes happiness has nothing to do with our situation and everything to do with our attitude. The study may tell us that even in what can seem like dark, dull days….happiness can be a choice…or at least being pleasant can be a choice which often times leads to happiness……..which can often be contagious.

So it was this morning for me. I had read the thermometer. I knew it was really, really cold. As I stood there, it was also still really, really dark. And then the hibiscus started being pleasant to me. And then it looked downright happy. And soon I was caught up in it all. Instead of choosing the layers and layers of browns and other dark clothes, I put on a skirt and one of my favorite sweaters that has shiny buttons. I put on pearl earrings and a colorful scarf.

As I opened the door and breathed in the frigid air, the hibiscus gave me a big, swift kick out into the world. "Get out there! Be happy!" And out I went to fulfill my duty as a Minnesotan.

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but so often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."  Helen Keller