In Pursuit of Happiness

For those of you who watch the CBS Sunday Morning Show, you know that this topic is directly taken from one of the articles on this past Sunday's show. The segment spoke of how our founding fathers granted us the pursuit of happiness, but questioned what, exactly, did that mean.

For each individual, the pursuit of happiness takes on a different meaning. For some, it may revolve around a better understanding and relationship with God. For others, it may be measured in their rise on the ladder of status. Whatever the end result might be, I believe the pursuit is the most important aspect.

As humans, we are comforted by the idea of completeness. Seeing a "finished" product, whether it be a home improvement project or a personal goal reached, fills us with satisfaction and accomplishment. However, how many people are satisfied to stop there? We all move on to the next goal or project. The truth is, no matter how hard we try, we will never be complete. We will never live in a complete environment. We are constantly in the process of becoming. The idea of being is fleeting.

So, in this pursuit, are we aware of the satisfaction that is in the action of getting there, and not in the end product itself? I think the acknowledgement of this allows the idea of happiness to be reconsidered. Some may believe that once they acquire x-amount of wealth or knowledge, then they will be happy. If this is the mindset, happiness will never be reached. If, however, you find your happiness in the pursuit, it will be a state that can be constantly sustained.

Also, happiness cannot be wrapped up in material goods. Happiness is an attitude, not a end result.

happiness
n 1: state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy 2: emotions experienced when in a state of well-being

So, on this day that celebrates the independence and spirit of this country, I wish you all what our forefather's wished - much happiness.

It is closer than you think.