The Key to Happiness

"Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response." - Mildred BarthelMuch has been written by various authors about happiness.For example, as the above writer conveys, a general feeling of wellness is not something that just happens to us with no work on our part, but takes a very real conscious decision and daily commitment. As I tell my friends, each day when we awake, we have two plates before us. One plate is filled with bitterness, pessimism, and scorn. The other plate is filled with laughter, smiles, appreciation and optimism. Which ever plate you select for your first meal of the day tends to determine your demeanor and outlook, so be careful what you put in your mouth because you ARE what you eat!

According to Maria Luisa-Bombal, most people have an unrealistic picture of what happiness is supposed to "feel" like, and that by expecting something grander or bigger than life, true happiness often passes us by unrecognized. The author suggests we slow down and appreciate all the small pleasures in life, and then we will better notice happiness.

Here is what she says, "It may be true that happiness lies in the conviction that one has irremediably lost happiness. Then we can begin to move through life without hope or fear, capable of finally enjoying all the small pleasures, which are the most lasting."

Perhaps due to an increase of infidelity in marriage, Douglas Jerrold wisely encourages his listeners to seek happiness only in their own yards. He states, "Happiness grows at own firesides, and is not to be picked in stranger's gardens."

More words of wisdom are offered by Doris Mortmon, "Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have."

According to this Chinese proverb, happiness is not found internally, but externally.

"If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a month, get married. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else." - Chinese Proverb

In my opinion, there are two secular authors who sum up the meaning of happiness best. These writers are Victor Hugo and Allan Chalmers. In the pursuit of happiness, both of these men recognize the supreme significance of love and meaningful life purpose.

"The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." - Allan Chalmers

"The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved." - Victor Hugo 

While I am certain there are endless quotations, poems and essays on true happiness, it seems clear that this general sentiment of well-being that we call happiness, is not an external, but internal phenomenon whose foundation is steeped in godliness. So, if God is indeed, love, then how can we truly know love unless we have a relationship with the Divine? How can we wish to seek goodness if we do not possess godly wisdom?

Small pleasures can indeed be found in the most simple things as a shared laugh with a friend, or a relaxing cup of tea and good book, but the most fulfilling joy can only come from knowledge that we are in God's good graces, and that we have reached out of ourself to share this precious gift with others.

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr