Is happiness the ultimate goal that we strive to seek, or is happiness simply the byproduct of a rich and purpose-filled life?

by Erik Thompson

You know the old routine. You see it all around you. Your friends tell you how to get there; advertisements all have the cure; consumerism says it’s got the secret; money says you can buy it. I’m talking about happiness. Can it be obtained by seeking a life of hedonism, self-indulgence, and relying on others to fill the empty places in your heart? So many people place top priority, whether conscious or not, on the attainment of self-pleasing and self-soothing happiness. We try and cram down our own throats the things that we think will make us truly happy: New cars that we don’t need; medication and drugs that poison us; bigger houses we shouldn’t buy; bling for our wardrobe; widgets for bragging rights; even friends to make us feel happy ‘cuz we’re just not feeling it otherwise.

The real secret to curing the holiday blues, and happiness in general is not to seek things to make us happy, but to find purpose and responsibility to add meaning to our lives. What is your true purpose in life? Do you know? Do you remember who you were supposed to become?

Happy people find that when they add great meaning to their lives, they find great happiness as the byproduct – not the goal. The goal of highly happy people is trying to make the world a better place by first changing how they see the world, and then doing something to make it better. It can be just doing your dishes that you let pile up all week to give you a sense of accomplishment. It can be by holding the door open for someone as you walk into a business. It can be saying, “Have a great day!” to a stranger on the street. It can be feeding hundreds at a soup kitchen, or just buying a sandwich for someone down on their luck.  It can be a simple act of kindness, or starting a revolution that changes all the world for the better.  The point is, happiness is a state of mind. A state of mind to help others. To help yourself. To be the person you were supposed to become. To become the type of person that in your deepest of hearts, you can truly admire. To be a hero. To be a gentle spirit. To have child-like awe for the magic and wonderment of life itself.

The path to end self-condemnation. The path to stop low self-worth. The path to a brighter and happier you is simply thinking and doing things that you can truly be proud of. Doing things that help others. Thinking hero-worthy thoughts. Being one of the good guys. Standing up for the meek. Not taking advantage of others and being fair and just in all of your ways.

Ponder the things that give you the holiday blues and that are setting you back as a person. Think of the things that are doing you no good or justice. End them. Set your eyes on the prize of having a million-dollar attitude. Not a million dollars in your pocket. All good things will come to those who help others and who have a selfless giving heart. Be thankful for the life you’ve been given. It truly is a miracle. A mind-blowing miracle. Don’t waste it. You’ve been given something truly fantastic and great. Do something with it. Help others to realize their potential. Encourage others to be all they can be. Remind others that they are truly wondrous and beautiful beings.

Remember who you were supposed to become. Remember to give thanks. Remember to be thankful. Be good to yourself. Be good to others. Be calm and thoughtful. Continue to grow. Become happiness. Become you.