LIFE  IS TOUGH  - HAPPINESS      
Copyright 1991 By Frederick Zappone

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness  is guaranteed by the United States Constitution. The elusive one  of the three is the pursuit of happiness.  The word pursuit as defined by Webster's Dictionary means: to follow in order to overtake.

Pursuing happiness, chasing happiness, following after happiness. All of these things imply that happiness is not in the here and now but that it can be found some place else in the future.

Most everybody I have ever talked to wants to be happy and they pursue it actively.  Many folks have specific conditions attached to their happiness.  I'll be happy when I live on my own. I'll be happy when I get married. I'll be happy when I get that promotion. I'll be happy when I get divorced. I'll be happy when I have children. I'll be happy when I turn 21. I'll be happy when I retire.

Pursuing happiness is cultural game.  It's a game that's rarely won and  when you do win the rewards are temporary.  I'll be happy when I get my new car. You get your new car , your happy, and after about three months it no longer makes you happy. In fact, you see another car you like better.

As long as we have strings attached to our happiness it will be a frustrating goal and for the most part will remain outside of our reach.

Is it possible to be happy with no strings attached? Is it possible to be happy with what you have and with what you don't have?  You have a good running car (the have part), you don't have the car you want (The don't have part). Can you be happy?  You have a good ,loving and caring wife (the have part), You don't have a passionate wife (the don't have part). Can you be happy? You have a good job and can pay your bills (the have part), you don't have a job that will allow you to get rich (the don't have part).  Can you be happy?

Is pursuing happiness a logical, realistic and obtainable goal?

I say it's not. I'm not saying happiness isn't obtainable. I'm saying that pursuing happiness is what doesn't work. Whatever you pursue flees from you. Is that true for you?

If pursuing isn't the answer then what is? That is the question isn't it? I think the answer is that happiness can always be found where you are at, regardless of your circumstances.

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