The Secret of Happiness

HEY,

Good morning. It's 10:18 PST here.

I’m sure by now, most of you reading this will know
of the hundreds of books written over the years that
talk about happiness, joy and a fulfilling life.

I don't buy a lot of them, but I know that people are
constantly searching for the answer to happiness.

I know that these authors are successful, otherwise their
books wouldn't be best sellers.

But, for many, their quest to get a straight answer about
happiness has still not been answered to their satisfaction.

Even after reading all the books.

The question of what is happiness, though, is not a one
secret formula or answer.

To some people, this answer will be very disappointing because
they long for a ONE solution answer that finally gives them
what they have desired for many years.

On the other hand, I can give you several answers that may
lead you to discover your own answer.

For example, happiness for millions of people would be the
freedom that we enjoy in North America that allows us to work,
play, vote and live a life full of opportunity, even though
we're taxed to the max.

For these millions, they cannot begin to contemplate, except
in a dream world, what we take as a given, what we often take
for granted, and what we so often complain about always wanting
more non-essential toys and possessions.

FREEDOM is pretty darn important. Lose it and you'll understand
what I'm saying here.

To others, happiness is something that they can possess but
do not take the opportunity to exercise it because of what they
choose not to do more than not having the choice.

By this I mean that these types of people fail to understand that
they could do, as in work, what they desire if they where truly
interested in doing what they wanted.

For example, if a person is in an unrewarding career, it doesn’t
mean they couldn’t change their career if they really, really wanted
to. Even if they're a business owner, doesn't mean they can't change.

Or, take the person, for example, who really wants to run his or
her own business but takes no action towards putting a plan into
motion. He or she might just DREAM about it and talk to their spouse
about it but they never do anything.

No action steps.

They seemingly have the notion of what would make them happy
but do nothing to get there.

As well, the notion of happiness for some is a constant – that is,
they always want to be in a euphoric state of happiness.

I hate to be blunt, but happiness is not a constant.

Never has been, never will be.

Each one of us has issues, concerns, obstacles, problems
and tribulations to deal with at some point in our lives.

All of us. Heck even I do.

All of these issues may not be pleasant but they must be
dealt with.

Once we have successfully overcome our problems, it is
more likely that we can return to a state of happiness.

That's what you have to remember when you're reinventing
yourself.

So, unfortunately but realistically, happiness is not
something where you can find a secret formula that will
guarantee a constant happy life.

But, happiness is within our daily lives even though it
may be in small proportions, and occurs only a few times.

I mean you're reading this blog, so maybe you're finding
some type of happiness. I hope so.

To me, happiness is a combination of a lot of factors but
some of the main components are being true to yourself, stick
to your ethics, hold to your values, and care about what you
are offering to others.