We talk about happiness, the little things in life, and much much more.
G-Anne: What makes you happy?
Mary Van Such: There are a lot of things that make me happy, my faith makes me happy, people make me happy, working with kids makes me happy, serendipitous moments make me happy. It really doesn't take a lot!
Why do these things make you happy?
I think the feeling of "happiness" is fleeting, but all of those things I mentioned, I think that they elicit a feeling of joy in my heart. The kind of feeling that you can't help but smile or laugh.
[Laughs] That's wonderful! Another little thing that tends to make people happy is ice cream! Do you have a favorite?
Ooh my favorite ice cream? I have always loved black cherry ice cream and rainbow sherbet from thrifty... Well, now Rite Aid. Try the combo- it will be worth it I promise. A scoop of black cherry on the bottom and a scoop of rainbow sherbet on top.
Mmm. Yummy! I am a chocolate lover, it never goes wrong, but I'll be sure to try the combo when I have the chance!
Sounds good!
How does the "Little Way" inspire you?
The "Little Way" is an incredible concept. I love St. Therese of Lisieux and she instituted this little way of doing little things to show love for others. Little ways to show her love for God. This little way inspires me in so many different facets of life. It inspires my relationships in a way that I try to live just a little bit less selfishly. It inspires my hobbies in that i try new little things all of the time. It's amazing how a little bit really does go a long way!
That's incredible. Perfectly said! What do you do to contribute to other's happiness?
I don't know exactly what I contribute to others happiness, but I know that I love to talk and love to listen. I love to spend time with the people I love. I love to sing, and I love to work with people. I think everyone has a different view of happiness, but I hope the way I act does impact their level of happiness!
In contrast, how do others contribute to your happiness?
People contribute to my happiness when they love unconditionally. When they take the time to show that they care, even in the littlest way. It means so much. People contribute to my happiness when they live in a way that reminds me not to take them for granted!
Do you have any activities or hobbies that bring you happiness?
Like I said, I love to sing, I love to play guitar and worship. There is no place I would rather be than in worship. My love for singing I think makes me happier than any other hobbies! I do also really appreciate baseball. So I guess that's a hobby that brings me happiness... Although sometimes I tell at the TV and that doesn't contribute to other people's happiness. Haha. Ask my neighbors... [Laughs] except the ones across the street. They love baseball as much as I do. [Laughs] And it's a good thing!
Isn't worship the best?! Next time i'm in the area I will be sure to ask them!
Have you ever had an embarrassing moment that you flipped to make you laugh?
Oh man, more than I can count. I've done so many silly things! once i accidentally pants-ed myself (I was wearing shorts under my skirt so it was okay) on stage in 5th grade when I was playing the lead in the musical. I didn't laugh then, but it's funny now. Haha. Embarrassingly funny! I also was late coming in on a cue in high school when I played the fairy godmother in Cinderella. I was supposed to say (gently) "what about Cinderella?" Well backstage i was goofing around and dancing with the king in the play. Our costumes got all tangled and i was late for the cue because we were literally stuck together! When i was freed, I ran on stage slammed the window I was supposed to appear in, and said about as sassy as I could... Psh. What about Cinderella?! Complete with this really embarrassing head bob thing. I was mortified! But people came up to me after and loved it! I just laughed! It was great. 11 years later, it still brings me joy!
Oh my gosh, that's too great! We all have those moments! I remember in 2nd grade I needed to go pee really bad...but i'm not going to go into detail about it, i'll leave it for you're imagination! [Laughs] But, I remember I got out of the shame by just laughing it off and blaming it all on a puddle! Anyways, who are your biggest influences and why?
My biggest influence is my dad. He has a positive attitude and so much integrity. He has a positive reputation for that attitude and integrity. I hope I can exude that same integrity in my life. Plus he laughs all the time! I hope I laugh that much in my lifetime! Sometimes he just laughs at himself for laughing at something!
Is there anything you would change about this project and why?
I hope that you learn so much from this project! I wouldn't change a thing, I would just encourage you to dive in head first! All you have to do is commit to really seeing what a difference it makes to your life to recognize the little things, and pass them on to others... Pay it forward, if you will! There are so many unhappy people in life, and like I said I really thing happiness is fleeting. It's an emotion based on the things around you. I think if you can choose joy in life and share it with other people, you can do anything! You are such an incredible girl!
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