I have attended church long enough to know that I am supposed to find joy in serving others, spending time with my family, and making good choices. I have read about happiness and the path to fulfillment in books by the Dali Lama and Buddhist monks. I even took an entire semester class called, "Enhancing Happiness and Life Satisfaction" while attaining my QOLT Therapy certificate. But nowhere in any of my studies did I come across shopping as a way to increase levels of happiness. I may be brain damaged but nothing brings me quite as much happiness as finding the perfect pair of summer sandals AND a bag to match! I am not kidding. Every time I look at my new purse I smile. It is that good. And today, not even the kids bickering during sacrament meeting could upset me. I just stared down at my shoes, took long circular yoga breaths, and felt waves of endorphins rushing through my bloodstream. So, here's to a little retail therapy and the beginning of my beautiful friendship with my new purse.