Is It Okay If I’m Happy?

Is It Okay If I’m Happy?

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” - Albert Schweitzer

How many of you out there can honestly say that you are happy? It all depends on how you define happiness. In the West, people could be said to be more materialistic – putting a high personal and emotional value on material wants. They keep acquiring more and more things, thinking that each new acquisition makes them happy. But there are still people who, despite their material riches, are not happy.

“Happiness” for some people might be a new car, or a new house, or a collection of CDs of their favorite artists. It could be more money in the bank or a personal yacht. But such “happiness” is fleeting and, once you get in the habit of acquiring things to make you happy, is an expensive habit to maintain. You fall into the trap of wanting more and more things to sustain the feeling of “happiness”. That kind of “happiness” is prevalent in our world today – which may explain why stores are full of things and gadgets that are supposed to make us content.

Think of the late billionaire Anna Nicole Smith, who died of a drug overdose. If she was really happy having billions of dollars to spend, why would she resort to using illegal drugs? Perhaps there was something missing in her life which she thought illegal drugs could supplant. Of what use are her billions of dollars to her now?

Perhaps Albert Schweitzer was right when he said: “I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”

A good example of someone who knew that service to others is the way to happiness is the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She found happiness by serving the outcast of Calcutta, India. And not only did she find happiness, she also made many friends in that country – including Indians who were not Catholics but Hindus who supported her mission.

So, if you wish to gain happiness for yourself, try serving other people who are in need of your help. Maybe there won’t be monetary gains, but the psychic rewards will overwhelm you.