The problem with happiness is that it is fleeting and ephemeral. It seems that the more we chase it, the less of it we experience. When I stopped chasing happiness—after failed marriages and a broken career—and turned my attention to my purpose in life, I began to ask questions: “What am I here for? What is my contribution? What is my reason for being?” As I discovered my purpose—with my home and family and through my work—I noticed that I worried less and less about being happy. The more I gave of myself through my gifts and talents through my purpose, the more satisfied I became with my life and myself. Somewhere along the way I discovered a deep, ongoing joy that had nothing to do with whether an event turned out or someone liked me or I had a good time at a party. I realized that this joy was so constant, that I was easily happy most of the time. Happiness had come in on the wings of my purpose in life.
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. George Bernard Shaw
Spiritual Contemplation: Are you chasing happiness? Are you living your purpose? Spend time thinking about what you are doing that causes you to feel satisfied, like making a real contribution. Follow that, and happiness will steal in while you aren’t looking!
Affirmation: My happiness cup overflows when I contribute my gift to the world or my family, my art or my career. I recognize my mighty purpose and move steadily toward it. This brings true joy to my life.