Tidbits of Happiness
By Michael del Rosario
My Dearest...
MANY people think that if only
they had more money they would be happy!
Have you heard of Howard
Hughes? At age 45, he was one of the world’s richest men. At age 65, with all
his money, he was probably among the world’s most miserable men. He became a
recluse. He was dirty! He grew his beard up to his waist. His hair reached his
back and his fingernails were long and dirty. The former “lady’s man” was an
ugly sight to behold! He had lost his zest for life!
Happiness is described as the
condition of being happy. Gladness is a synonym. And the word “bliss” Implies
the highest degree of happiness.
Happiness has no price tag on
it. Happiness is a condition. Happiness that can be bought is fleeting and
temporary.
People usually have different
definitions or notions of happiness. One’s tidbits of happiness greatly depend
on his values and what is important to him. Different things, different
incidents, and being with different people cause moments of happiness of
varying degrees to different people at different times.
Let me share some experiences:
In the past … happiness was …
eating my favorite "dirty" ice cream, playing paper boats under the
rain, playing and running in a dust-filled park, holding my dad’s hand, hugging
my mon, going to the market with mom, catching and playing with
"ambabal" (vernacular for beetle) and spiders, etc.
Then it became … recess time
with friends in school, catching the attention of a crush, dancing with her,
holding hands, watching a movie, graduation day, fitting into a job, etc.
Soon after … “I do”, “It’s a
boy”, “he said ‘da-da’”, it’s his graduation day, sharing meals with family,
vacations together, reminiscing the past, sharing a good laugh, presence and
company, etc.
Someday … “he got a job”, “he
says, ‘I do’”, “it’s a boy!”, “he has his own business”, “dad, you’re a
grandpa”, etc.
Yes, happiness is the most
sought after feeling of all ages. But somehow, it all boils down to one thing.
Happiness is a state of mind.
Happiness does not just happen.
We have to consciously choose to be happy in whatever situation we are in, and
to keep choosing it every day!
My Dearest Children,
Tidbits of happiness. Add them
all up. Count your blessings. And be thankful for each of them. Live your life
by the words of the Lord in 2Thessalonians 2:13 which says, “We must thank God
at all times for you whom the Lord Loves.”
