I’ve never been a fan of fake happy. I want to keep it real. But whether out of fear or a desperate need, I’m choosing happy a lot these days.

I’m not talking about a fake smile on my face. I don’t want to pretend to be happy. I’m just sick of letting fear run the show, and I know that if I stay in the here-and-now (and don’t “time travel,” as one of my good friends puts it), I’m okay. I’m often much more than okay. Isaac and I dissolved into hysterical, can’t-stop-laughing laughter last night, and we both had tears streaming down our faces. I don’t remember why. I take lots of walks, and the glory of fall stuns me. I have a chance to do some writing work as a volunteer for GlobalCures, and I’m grateful to have an opportunity to learn about cancer cures and research…