Happiness and Success 39

Factor # 3 – Responsible Freedom Includes The Freedom To Dream Of Ideals

Every human being is born imperfect and with hope for seemingly endless ways to improve. If we reflect on these for quite a long time, it will prove to be an overwhelming reality. There will be those who might conclude that therefore, we should simply enjoy our lives with all the pleasures the mind can think of. Positive thinkers and idealist exercise long patience and adequate prudence to select only those which belong to the list of ideal fundamental options in life. Squandering wealth is obviously not wise. The same is true with wasting so much energy for unproductive thoughts, talks, and activities. Indirectly killing the human body with dangerous works and health hazards is very much like overdosage in unnecessary medications, over-exercise, thinking too much about a problem. What do you really need at a given time ? Nowadays, we see people tagged as successful in life if they are to be judged on the basis of the wealth they have accumulated, or the so many friends they have gained over the years, but who are ALSO experiencing poor health. You see them in wheel chairs or hospitals, or frequently checking their blood pressures, or preparing to die in many other different ways. How should I say this ? So many are real life successful and failures at the same time. They have experienced a lot of recognitions, praises, written about or by word of mouth, but find themselves unable to sleep with adequate hours to rejuvenate body and mind.

Dream of what should be good for yourself as well as others. You have to. Do not aim for what will be stressful or harmful for you in the long run. It really depends on what is the situation of the individual. So let us take samples.

If you happen to be in your teenage years, with normal health, and supported by a wealthy family members, go for the best education, best mind and body sports, and the healthiest food and other health maintenance that your family can easily afford. Select the most cultured groups of people who can become trusted friends. If you are born with a needy set of family members, your choices will have multiple considerations. People around you might need help once in a while, causing disruptions in your quest for certain ideals. Do not turn away from those in need because life is a story of ups and downs. Who knows ? Someday, you might be the person in need of their help. However, if today you can extend any assistance for others deserving of your time, effort, or even material means, be sure your act of giving will not turn your world updisde down — a condition wherein the giver becomes the problem. The poor man’s life is definitely more difficult to deal with than those who start with some things that keep them healthy in all aspects of life. Although some philosophers argue that poverty can be an advantage, be forewarned that it is surely nothing to be happy about. Anybody in the state of poverty wants to get out of such a situation. Poverty teaches people to have strong character– one capable of withstanding tough times and converting problems into great opportunities; a character that knows the value of patience, diligence, prayers, perseverance, and persistence, and a multitude of positive values.