Happiness is Waiting for You
“Happiness is waiting for you.” This morning, while I listened to a lecture, that quote resonated with me, prompting a pause to reflect. Isn’t it a lovely notion, so simple and sincere? The difficulty many people overlook is the importance of slowing down and recognizing that true happiness is present, ready to be embraced and cherished.
Recently, I enjoyed a ride on my Moto Guzzi V88 TT through Western Massachusetts, filled with moto tagging and adventure. The weather was perfect for riding, reminiscent of those ideal days we motorcyclists dream of during the harsh winter months when icy roads, plummeting temperatures, and our bikes in hibernation seem endless. Just as those cold winter days swiftly arrive, they eventually yield to delightful days like today, with temperatures in the low 70s, clear blue skies adorned with fluffy clouds, and winding, empty roads inviting us. Although I had a planned route with several stops, I intentionally took a few wrong turns to savor those “where does this road lead?” moments.
Halfway through my ride, I remembered, “Oh yes, there’s a lovely waterfall up this road,” and “I think there’s a charming ice cream stand just around the corner.” In the quaint village of Blandford, MA, I discovered a small park featuring a gazebo and a well-maintained lawn, ideal for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a midday break.
Just up the road in Worthington, there’s a delightful eatery called Liston’s Bar and Grill, a modern establishment that captures the essence of an old-fashioned dive bar. Their menu focuses on burgers, and they provide a pleasant outdoor seating area that welcomes visitors from various small towns in Western MA. While Massachusetts is known for its dense population, this particular region feels quite distinct. Western MA technically begins west of the Connecticut River, yet most residents of the state live within the 495 beltway, likely unaware of the existence of charming towns like Otis, Becket, Monterey, and Worthington, to name a few.
If you’re a motorcyclist, you may be familiar with these towns and have enjoyed the peaceful back roads that wind through them. Countless unnamed roads bear titles like River, Old County, and Stage. Some of these bumpy paths have weeds sprouting through the cracks in the pavement, as they see little traffic. These are the kinds of roads that bring me joy.
Why is that?
Well, as the gentleman in the video mentioned, they are waiting for you. As my day came to an end and the sun entered what I affectionately call the Golden Hour, I found myself on a familiar road not far from home. Upper Church Street in Hardwick, MA, winds through beautiful stone walls and open fields. With a breathtaking view to the west, I was fortunate enough to witness something truly special and free: the setting sun! I pulled over to watch that magnificent orb dip below the tree line, casting enchanting shadows.
Coincidentally, someone had traced the outline of a heart in the gravel where I parked. It served as a gentle reminder that love indeed makes life worth living. After 40 years of riding motorcycles throughout New England, I can genuinely say that these kinds of days bring me true happiness. I’m thankful that it waited for me!
