On happiness
A friend posed a question yesterday about happiness. Why it is that some people exude happiness and others do not? What makes people happy?
Although I am no expert, I do have the benefit of 54 years of experience. Happiness, in my view, is in the mind and heart of the beholder. Money, accolades, stature in life or similar values have no relevance in defining one's happiness. I've known people who made a quarter of a million dollars a year who were as dour as anyone could be. I've met people with impressive titles and honors in whose shoes I would not want to walk.
On the contrary, I've met people who have little in the way of worldly goods who have been extremely happy people. People who put other people before themselves. People who value family and friends. People whose faith abides.
Happiness is what you make it. If you want happiness, you will be happy. If you feel down and out, you will be down and out. So enjoy life, enjoy what God has given you. Count your blessings and don't compare yourself to what others have. That will do you no good whatsoever.
Concern yourself with giving happiness and you will reap happiness in return.
Although I am no expert, I do have the benefit of 54 years of experience. Happiness, in my view, is in the mind and heart of the beholder. Money, accolades, stature in life or similar values have no relevance in defining one's happiness. I've known people who made a quarter of a million dollars a year who were as dour as anyone could be. I've met people with impressive titles and honors in whose shoes I would not want to walk.
On the contrary, I've met people who have little in the way of worldly goods who have been extremely happy people. People who put other people before themselves. People who value family and friends. People whose faith abides.
Happiness is what you make it. If you want happiness, you will be happy. If you feel down and out, you will be down and out. So enjoy life, enjoy what God has given you. Count your blessings and don't compare yourself to what others have. That will do you no good whatsoever.
Concern yourself with giving happiness and you will reap happiness in return.
posted by Joe Wollet at 5:07 PM
1 Comments:
Well said my friend! I've noticed the same thing. The people with the most toys are not the happiest (past the age of four). Many of my happiest friends have been through hard times. They unanimously don't have high paying, high stress jobs. Several left the corporate life in favor of doing something different, and they are now much better off as a result. They do share some things in common - they laugh often, they are very active, they live life to the fullest, and they all stay very engaged with their friends and families. I'm finding they have also made a conscious choice to be happy. Very interesting!
Looking forward to reading more of your blog posts, Joe!
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