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Do We Have to EARN Happiness?
I was on the phone with a friend today, who told me that he is happier than he has ever been. This friend is a thoroughly kind person, also handsome, gives back to the community, cooks well, and sends the best birthday cards. After years of complicated, moody relationships and a failed marriage, he finally met an equally good person who really loves him. I was elated at the news. Not for a moment, did I begrudge him his happiness. He had earned it. But what a weird idea, earning happiness? Is there a correlation between being good and being happy?
Image: Liebespaar (Lovers), 1967, by the influential artist, Sigmar Polke who died a few days ago.
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I’m not sure we earn happiness. I think we learn to recognize and accept it.
Jenifer, that is so true!
Sometimes it looks like fate makes us earn happiness, but I’m not sure it has to be that way.
I had my major epiphany that brought love and success into my life when I learned about the ancient wisdom of Chinese astrology, and it’s made my life turn around. I told everyone I love about it and hope to help others out there as well, since it’s tried and tested – it works!
Alas happiness is not earned, but instead adopted, a chosen attitude and perspective. My natural proclivity tends toward pessimism and dissatisfaction, when by all accounts I lead a happy, blessed, fulfilled life. Happiness seems to be nothing more than a turn of the head and mind, acknowledgment of contentment, peace. Happiness runs deep and quiet, and one has to remember, and deliberately see it.