The Secret to Happiness

Wouldn’t you love to win the lottery? Think that maybe 1.2 million dollars would provide a lifetime of happiness? We keep hearing about people who do win a jackpot and then a year or two later the money is all gone and they are more depressed than before. I can hear you thinking: “Yeah, I know that money can’t buy happiness, but I would like to test that axiom for myself!”

Perhaps a better job or a promotion could bring happiness. Getting recognition for what you do; a raise in pay; the corner office – or even just an office instead of a cubicle. If only you could make more of the decisions – you could show your boss how this company ought to be run.

What about some power, a bit more clout. How would you like have a high ranking political office, maybe even president or prime minister of your country. I don’t know about you, but I know that I would not want political power. Getting elected is the first step to having a whole lot of people hating you and criticizing your every move, including how much you paid for your shoes. Sometimes they even throw their shoes at you.
Some people think that fame will bring them happiness. My kids certainly think this! They are both wannabe rock stars; and they think that I am holding them back and not being supportive like the moms of Hillary Duff or Miley Cyrus. But then, when I was their age I wanted to be Cher. (Yes, I am that old!)

Are your kids driving you to distraction? I made the mistake of telling mine once that no one can drive you crazy unless you give them the keys. Now whenever I tell them they are driving me insane, they can sweetly remind me that I shouldn’t have given them my keys.

What about your spouse? In these days of easy, no fault divorce, perhaps you have thought that you would be much happier kicking that loser to the curb. Your friends might even tell you that you could do much better than that. Marriage, divorce, remarriage to someone who will make you happy. Don’t you deserve to be happy?

More money, a better job, power, fame, a better spouse – these are the things that we think will bring happiness, but none of them will. I’m not saying you should never buy a lottery ticket or apply for a promotion, or that you should take a vow of poverty and give away all of your worldly possessions. And I would never advise anyone to stay in an abusive marriage. But have you ever noticed that when you get something you have been wanting, like a new car or that big promotion, the feelings of happiness don’t last long? That is because true happiness does not depend on circumstances. It comes from being content with whatever you already have.