When challenged to define the things that make me happy, I find it far from easy. Day to day events unfold in a way that might have been anticipated, with some degree of pleasure or happiness. There is a well known saying that goes: ‘To travel hopefully is better than to arrive’.
Happiness is also the hidden ingredient in the
maxim of St Paul; ‘Wherever possible be at Peace with all men.’
I would advise that a state of “Happiness” is (as
an objective) not a very satisfactory pursuit, and more attention should be
given to personal Contentment.
Some people, I find tend to hold my ‘happiness
moments’ as useful hostages to changing and challenging times. Statements such as; “As a child you always
enjoyed being held upside down and shaken,” or “Have you really given up that
huge collection of matchboxes?”, or even “You were so happy then.”
Contentment however is not so vulnerable, and
remains like a lake of memories, not easily drained by events or by time.
David Taylor
No comments:
Post a Comment