Finding happiness

I think happiness is an illusion, a golden carrot that we get seduced into believing is to be found at the end of the proverbial rainbow. As with any illusion or mirage -- the quest for happiness -- moves the moment we believe we have arrived at the destination called happiness.

On the other hand if we learn to live on life's terms, contentment can be experienced regardless of our present circumstances. I speak to the journey of contentment through out Second Chance to Live, because I believe our circumstances are not meant to keep us down, but they are meant to build us up!

Tying into this, I think a lot of people associate happiness with the "next big thrill," a feeling that's often attached to extreme behavior or lots and lots of excitement, whether that means taking a vacation or throwing a huge party or jumping out of an airplane. I think that in our ADD-addled society, there's this fear of sitting still because, gee, that might just lead to boredom. I think the addiction to excitement can be just as misguided when it comes to being happy because you forget to treasure the simple, little moments, like cuddling a pet or watching the sun set. Happiness isn't just about the hundred-piece orchestra or fireworks going off somewhere in your brain. The older I've gotten, I've begun to associate it more with peace, inner calm, that little song that flits through my mind when I'm content.