There’s a simple truth to the Universe. True happiness is not a destination, it’s part of the journey.
Anyone who has ever tried to purchase happiness has found that out. I’ve recently purchased a 2011 Ford Mustang to replace my ailing Tribute, and I’ll admit – driving that beauty brings a smile to my face. There’s absolutely nothing sensible about it. Sure, I try to cover that up by saying it gets better gas mileage than my old car, but really – I bought it because it’s sexy, black, drives like a dream, and when I floor the accelerator, she flies down the road. But as with all things you can buy – the momentary high you get from them fades. Whether it be expensive toys, clothes, shoes, drugs, alcohol, or even sex – it never lasts.
You can’t find it with people. Sure, meeting the right person can make your life better. We all know how the heart can sing when you find love. But it’s not something you can depend on to always be there. Some day that person will be gone – whether they pass on or life just takes them. Friends have their own lives, loves can come and go, parents and children go on their own journey. And relying on someone to always be there and to give you what you need is both unrealistic and selfish.
I’ll even go so far as to stretch that idea towards religion. We ask our gods to take away the pain, to bring us joy, and to reward us with paradise, trusting in our belief that we’ll be delivered. It’s almost like betting the farm on that one horse to win the race.
But don’t take me wrong – this isn’t a doom and gloom piece. Happiness is certainly attainable. Think of it like paints for a canvas. All the things in your life – the things you buy, the people in your life, art, music, pets, gods, sunrises, etc – they’re tools you use along the route, but you have to find happiness in yourself first. The simple joy of being alive is itself a reward – everything else just comes along of it’s own accord.