Windsor Life
Page 34
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Windsor Writers
In our Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson penned
the words declaring that “All men are created equal with the
inalienable right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” A
Wikipedia article states that in Jefferson’s writing the words “pursuit
of happiness” he meant that feeling of self-worth and dignity you
acquire by contributing to your community and to its civil life.
In today’s world our thoughts center on questions like, “What do
I need or want to make me happy?” We tend to look outside of
ourselves for something or someone to bring us happiness. The idea
that happiness is an inside job just doesn’t make sense to many
people. As our society has placed increased value on material
possessions our thoughts have turned to acquiring things to make us
feel happy. More and more things will bring more happiness doesn’t
seem to be working.
A quote from Groucho Marx might set us on the right track. “I, not
events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can
choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived
yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.”
Windsor Gardens is fortunate to have an International Organization,
The Optimist Club, which welcomes all people as members. The club’s
goal is to spread optimism through their programs to support young
people in the metro area. The following words authored by Christian
D. Larson in 1912 and adopted in 1922 as the Optimist Creed
provide a successful guide in the pursuit of happiness:
The Relentless Pursuit of Happiness
by Donna Bishop
Promise Yourself …
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism
come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only
the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are
about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and to press on to the
achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living
creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have
no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s words make our pursuit for happiness not so
relentless:
“It was only a sunny smile, and cost little in the giving/But like the
morning light it scattered the night/And made the day worth living.”
How do you define happiness?
For some it is the accumulation of wealth. They dream of winning the
lottery or finding that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. “If only
I could be a millionaire,” they say, “then I could have all the things I
want and I could be truly happy.” Yet some of the happiest people
in the world have little in the way of money – barely enough to
scrape by. They may find joy in serving others, or in the secure love
of friends and family. The pursuit of wealth isn’t even part of their
consciousness.
Some wish to attain fame. “If only I were famous, then the whole
world would know my name. They would thrill at the very sight
of me, ask me for my autograph, shout my name to the highest
heavens. I could be happy if I were famous.”
Others seek power. “If I were in a position of power, I could have my
way in all things. People would grovel at my feet, acknowledge my
superiority. I could be king of the world! That would be the ultimate
happiness.”
Many dream of falling in love. The agony and ecstasy of falling in
love is a state of temporary insanity that we should all be allowed
to experience at least once. Many of us fall in love with a new
Happiness Is a State of Mind
by Marilynn Reeves
person several times over the course of a lifetime. Yet falling in love
isn’t the same as remaining in love, or simply being a loving person.
The happiest people I know have the ability to love others without
expectation of their affection being returned.
Happiness is different from joy. Joy is a temporary feeling of
euphoria at having attained a goal long sought after. Whether it’s
winning a prize, being asked on a date by that special someone,
or attaining recognition for something you’ve accomplished, joy is a
fleeting sensation. Where do you go from there?
For me, happiness is losing myself in something that absorbs my full
attention, whether it’s listening to great music, reading a good book,
observing the beauty of nature, or working on a project that I enjoy.
For me, happiness amounts to accepting myself as I am. Recognizing
my faults and shortcomings and striving to do better – to be better –
but learning to love myself for who I am, at this moment, warts and
all.
For me, happiness is also accepting others as they are, without
feeling the need to change them, even if we may disagree.
For me, happiness is a state of mind.
Theme: Pursuit of Happiness
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