Are you one of those persons who are looking or searching for happiness? Well, some people believe that they will be happy when they accumulate or obtain certain things. Oftentimes we hear people say things like: when I graduate; when I get a job; when I get promoted; when I retire; when I get a house; when I get a baby; when I get a husband or a wife; and so on, I will be happy.
Happiness, to them, is always an elusive goal that is expected to arrive sometime in the future. But happiness is not dependent on things or events. It is not a destination, but a state of being. It is not meant to be experienced in the future, but at this very moment – NOW. Our past is dead and our future is unborn. The only time we live is now. So, the place to be happy is here, right now, at this very moment. Tomorrow is promised to no one. The song writer puts it aptly: The time to be happy is now, and the place to be happy is here, and the way to be happy is to make someone happy, and we will have a little heaven down here.
You see, happiness doesn’t depend on gaining possessions, but on RELEASING the negativity that clogs the mind. When this is done, you will be free to re-experience your natural state of happiness. It is never what we have, but what we are; not what we possess, but what we enjoy. We have to learn that it doesn’t matter what we expect from life, but rather what life expects from us. Every moment is a golden opportunity for us to be happy and make others happy. It really doesn’t take much to make others happy – a kind word, a good deed, a hug, a kiss, a smile, or a gentle touch, can make a big difference in someone’s life.
We must learn to surrender to the flow of events – to accept what cannot be changed. Happiness is the feeling of contentment. It is the joy of being alive. We must live each day with an attitude of gratitude and enjoy God’s creation – the chirp of the birds, the rustle of the leaves, the wind on our face, and the beauty of the flowers. It is also the taste of our favourite meal, the sound of laughter, smiling faces, triumphant music, and a beautiful sunset. Be aware of the many things around us. Look, listen, taste, feel, and smell. There are lots to enjoy and to be happy about. A wise man once said: I asked God for all things, so I might enjoy life, but God gave me life, so I might enjoy all things.
Like all forms of life, our purpose is to manifest our potential, to blossom, to express our creativity. And when we align our actions with this purpose, we will experience happiness. We find greatest joy, not in getting, but in expressing what we are. We should not really live for honours or for pay. Our gladness is not the taking and holding, but in the doing, the striving, the building, the living. It is a higher joy to teach than to be taught. It is good to get justice, but better to do it; fun to have things but more to make them; good to receive things, but better to give away. The happy man is he who lives the life of love, not for the honours it may bring, but for the life itself.
Remember – you will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life. Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. Referrals can also be made directly through the Atlantic Star Center of Medical Excellence, South Hill, Anguilla. By Appointment Only: Tel 497-0765.
