| Are you happy? Do you remember a time
when you were happy? Are you seeking happiness today? Many have sought a variety of sources for their feeling of happiness. Some have put their heart and efforts into their work. Too many turned to drugs and alcohol. Meanwhile, untold numbers have looked for it in the possession of expensive cars, exotic vacation homes and other popular "toys". Most of their efforts have a root in one common fact: people are looking for a lasting source of happiness. Unfortunately, I believe that happiness escapes from many people because they misunderstand the journey of finding it. I have heard many people say that, "I'll be happy when I get my new promotion," or "I'11 be happy when I get that extra 20 pounds." It is dangerous because it accepts that happiness is a "response" to having, being or doing something. In life, we all experience stimulus and response. Today, some people think that an expensive car is stimulus. Happiness is a response. A great paying job is stimulus. Happiness is a response. This belief leaves us thinking and feeling: "I'll be happy when ..." It has been my finding that actually the opposite is true. I believe that happiness is a stimulus and response is what life brings to those who are truly happy. When we are happy, we tend to have more success in our work. When we are happy, we more naturally take better care of our bodies and enjoy good health. Happiness is not a response but a stimulus. Happiness is a conscious choice we make in daily life. For unknown reasons to me, many choose to be upset and angry most of the time. Happiness is not something that happens to us after we get something we want—we usually get things we want after we choose to be happy. |