Do you recall the days when
jokes were not only allowed, but encouraged? In this politically correct age,
those sour pusses who seem to be in charge of all things societal ensure that
laughter is a rare occurrence, indeed. And yet laughter is one underrated
commodity that is so very important to human well-being. And here’s the
other.
There’s the one about the two
vehicles that get into a fender bender. Both drivers get out of their cars. One
is a young man of average height, the second, a somewhat older man who, though
fairly muscular, is height-wise, quite diminutive.
The shorter of the two drivers
looks at the other one and says, “I am not happy!” Where upon the other driver
cocks his head to the side and says, “No? Well, then, which one are
you?”
You’ve often read right here in
these essays that my firm belief is that the purpose of life is not to show us a
good time. And I really do believe that. But I also believe that laughter, and
happiness, are as important to us, and our journey, as is the growth we achieve
through tough times.
But how do we balance things
out? And how do we know if we’re happy?
Happiness is a concept that is
misunderstood, in my opinion, very underrated. Some say the opposite, but to
them I would point out that in one of the most important documents put forth by
mankind, ever—The United States Declaration of Independence—the pursuit
of happiness is one of the three “inalienable” rights given us by our Creator.
We have organizations that make
as their cause célébré the right
to life. We also have organizations dedicated to liberty—civil, and
otherwise.
Do we have an
organization, anywhere, dedicated to the pursuit of happiness?
Ah, but Morgan, you
may say, how does one define happiness? It’s such a subjective
concept! I agree, which was why the framers of the Declaration of Independence
didn’t say, “life, liberty and happiness”, but rather “the pursuit of
happiness”.
So what, then, if it is
a subjective concept? That just means that in life, as in the clothing boutique,
one size does not fit all.
Are you happy?
I Googled the word happiness,
and the on-line dictionary offered these two definitions: 1). The state of being
happy, and 2). Good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.
So, let’s think about this for
a minute. And since I cannot speak to your state of being, I’ll speak to my
own—and I’ll answer my own question. Am I happy?
Let’s see. I’m 60, and I am in
reasonable shape for the shape I’m in. I’ve had one heart attack, thirteen years
ago, and a triple-bypass of the same vintage. I have diabetes, and I have
arthritis so severe in both ankles and knees that I walk with a cane, and am in
considerable pain, every single day. As I await my gall bladder surgery, I’m
reluctant to wander too far away from my home. In my home, I don’t have near
enough energy, or stamina, to do all the things each day I want to do. I’ve lost
my parents, a sister, a granddaughter and a son.
And yet, I am so aware of the
many ways in which I have been blessed. I have a home, food on the table, a
husband to whom I’ve been married more than 42 years. I have a son and a
daughter-in-law, and a daughter, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
I get to live my passion, which is writing, and I know that people—many people,
read my words. Every day is a new adventure, and I awaken each morning filled
with gratitude for another chance to do something to help make someone
else happy. I find pleasure and contentment in my daily routine, and in
the various communications I have with people, some of whom I’ve never even met
face to face. And when I hear that someone was down, but then turned to one of
my books and felt better for the experience, my heart fills with joy, and yes,
again, gratitude.
By the above definition, then,
I’m happy. And do you know what? I really am.
What about you?
Love,
Morgan
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