It was probably a dreary afternoon  ... I was probably PMSing... and I definitely wasn't in the mood to pleasantly co-exist with humans that day.  I was walking with my head down - trying my hardest to avoid eye contact with anyone... even the dogs.  I walked in my office building, and I saw a cute little lady stuffing the mailboxes, bopping her head to the tunes in her ipod.  I was transfixed for a second, and slightly envious - as she seemed so joyful in that moment.  And I sooooo wasn't.  I tried to look away before she caught me in my gaze - but to no avail.  She took out one of her ear buds, and gave me the biggest smile, followed by the most friendly "Hey Girl! How are you?" I looked behind me, because I knew she couldn't be talking to me - I was purposely uber unapproachable that day.  But indeed she was speaking to me.  I couldn't help but smile - and return the greeting.  That changed my whole day. Since then, I have come to know the cute lady at the mailboxes as Miss Belinda, the United States Postal Service's finest.  And everyday (it never fails), she greets me with the warmest greeting.  I decided the other day, that I needed to find out what made her so happy all the time... I figured maybe if I was really charming, she would share her happy pills with me.  I would even buy them from her. So naturally - my first question to her was "how in the world are you so happy...all the time?"  She told me that on her 8th birthday, instead of opening birthday gifts, she was mourning the death of her mother ... and while a very sad time in her life - she truly feels that her mother passed her joy on to her.  It would have been so easy to give up right then, at the young age of 8.  But Miss Belinda explained that her mother's spirit lives inside her, and in turn, makes her a naturally joyous person.  Suffice to say - there were no secret happy pills that she popped every morning.  Her pills come in the form of staying grounded in her faith, and thriving on making people laugh.  Great for her... sucks for me. Everyday, she strives to pass that same joy onto her two girls, ages 5 and 3.  Feeling that motherhood was her God-given purpose, there isn't much that brings Miss Belinda to a low point.  While she's not thrilled at the economy or the anxiety that comes along with providing for her family, this San Antonio native is just happy to be alive.  So happy, that when someone responds to her toothy greeting with a less than positive response - she responds back "You livin' aint you?" True indeed Miss Belinda - you will make anyone think twice about not being appreiciative of life... even for a second.  It was truly a pleasure to sit down with this lady, and hear about her genuine joy.  It's such a rare find... and a true treasure. Inspired by the clean slate of the new year and the notion of starting fresh... and of course - the powerful unspiration that is Miss Belinda - I am on a mission to detox from my manufactured happiness... and join the movement of a natural high...