What makes you happy?

Life, liberty and the pursuit... What is happiness? Is it really something that needs pursuit? Is it worth chasing? Is it important?  All good questions with infinite answers. 

Let’s start with the main question, what is happiness? I looked up the definition of the word and found that the dictionary defines it as “the state of being happy.” Incredibly helpful, right? So, I dug a little deeper. I found a more extended definition in Google: “Happiness is that feeling that comes over you when you know life is good and you can't help but smile. Happiness is a sense of well-being, joy, or contentment. ... When people are successful, or safe, or lucky, they feel happiness.” 

“...the feeling that comes over your when you know... and you can’t help but smile” Feeling. Interesting word. We all know that most feelings are not very long lasting and definitely, not always shared. 

Let's take the last sentence for a moment: “When people are successful, or safe or lucky...” Is that really what it takes? Perhaps. They are, after all, broad and all-encompassing terms.  

So, I ask: what is happiness, to you? What is your definition? 

A few things make me happy: sunrises by the ocean. Sunsets. Nature walks. Exploring nature trails and places. Children's laughter. Listening to elderly people tell stories. Reading, writing, dreaming of new adventures and possibilities. 

I used to think that only with money could I achieve happiness. I chased everything that would bring me closer to my idea of happiness. Slowly (very slowly) I have come to realize that happiness is not achieved from without, but only from within. 

We have all herd about the “pursuit of happiness.” My question is: Is it really necessary to pursue it? Is it worth it? Sometimes we can get so caught up in the chase for future happiness, that we forget to appreciate the things that can make us happy, right now. I was always under the impression that you have to constantly be driving towards your goals then realized that there is always another goal, so if you are always driving, when do you enjoy the attractions along the way? 

When you are young there is always a “later”. A later time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, al later time to take that trip, spend time with loved ones, etc. As you age, you start to realize that “later” might not always be there. That “later” is never guaranteed or even certain. My father worked all his adult life. He had big plans for his retirement, things he was going to do, places to visit, etc. He retired as soon as he was eligible at 62 and a half. He was 64 and a half when he passed away after battling cancer for a year. All the plans went by the side as he slowly waited for his life to end. Like a patch of black ice in a dark road, cancer derailed his life and ended his dreams. Tomorrow, no longer a certainty and today no longer enjoyable, either. After working for over 40 years, he was able to relax for a short period of time after his retirement. Surgery, therapy and pain robbed him of his planned happiness. 

It is the same as working hard for six days in a row, looking forward to going to the beach on your one day off. Sunny days in procession, one after the next until, on your day, a storm rolls in and washes away your plans. Your dreams of one day in the sun, washed away like a mudslide that takes away your home. That is when the, should 'a... could 'a... would 'a... come in. But it is too late then, you can’t undo what’s done. Can't rewind and start again. 

“Carpe Diem” How many times do you hear it, or even say it? But how often do you heed the advice? Having many occasions to learn that lesson myself, I did not follow it often. Why did I not? The answer is simple: Fear! Fear that, if I don’t continue to struggle, I won’t be able to prepare for tomorrow. Well, how does the saying go? “if you want the Universe to laugh, make a plan...” 

Only when you realize that you can control very little in life, will you then be able to achieve some control over your happiness. You have to live in the moment, the here and now. Appreciate every little thing, every fleeting moment as it happens. Otherwise, happiness might just pass you by. 

Mark Twain said: “Worrying is like paying a debt you don’t owe.” I heard someone put it a different way: “worrying about tomorrow is like paying interest on money you have not yet borrowed” Either way, it all boils down to the same, enjoy today because tomorrow is not guaranteed. 

What do you think? 

Jose.