Me, You & The Universe

Can you define happiness? I am sure we can all come up with an ideal of what it is. If you could find total happiness what would it be worth to you? I'd like to think it would be worth a lot to any of us. The simplest definition I can come up with for happiness is: Living a care free life.  As a thought that actually sounds pretty easy doesn't it? Think of it. A life where you get up each day and never get upset or bothered about anything.

We all know it isn't easy. Think of all the successful people in this world. People that seem to have it all and still can not find peace in their lives. I could name names.  I am sure you can envision people (many celebrities come to mind) that you would think should be happy, but obviously are not.

The realization is that we trick ourselves. We say if we only had this or that we wouldn't have any problems. This is short sighted. New problems, and opportunities, come and go everyday. Money and fame does not make us immune from problems. I don't know how many times I have thought, 'Man if I didn't have this commitment' or 'If only I had more money' I would be happy.

The evidence shows a different story though. You see rich people, poor people, healthy people, sick people that all seem to have varying levels of happiness.

So what is the key? I wish I knew for certain. That question is right up there with the meaning of life. I am sure the answer to both questions are probably related. Actually, I think I have a good ideal of how to be happy. I believe we all do. It is just so easy to get caught up in meaningless  distractions that have no relationship to true happiness or well being. There are many events and circumstances that if we let them, will drag us down.

There are really only a small set of  rules that need to be followed for true joy to be reached in our lives.This list is not the end all, but I do think that if most of us honestly followed these rules we would be quite blissful.

1. Be grateful for what you have.
2. Remember that life is a gift.
3. Refrain from dwelling on the past.
4. Do not worry about the future.
5. Actively follow your dreams.
6. Be happy with who YOU are.
7, Do not get distracted or upset by negative forces. 

Of course, all of these rules can really be broken down into one big rule. 

                                        LIVE IN THE MOMENT

The past is gone. The future is uncertain. All you really can do is make the most out of what you have right before you, right now, this place, and this time.

All of this is easier said than done. As mentioned I know we all can think of those we thought had it all whom led terrible, unhappy lives. There's the bills, unfriendly people, bad drivers, bad news, pressure from work, feeling inadequate, wishing things were different, envy, feeling sorry for yourself, and a zillion other distraction to get you off track.

My advice is when things seem bad or when you get upset you stop...breath, think, and remember to  LIVE IN THE MOMENT. 

I don't know if you have heard that we all have star dust as part of our DNA? The theory is that the universe was formed from exploding stars. Everything in our universe was formed from the material of these exploding bodies. Everything including you and me. we are made of the chemicals that shine bright up in the sky and give us immense beauty. We are formed from the same elements that make up some of the most adorned objects in the universe, including the sun. You are part of that greatness!

A star is not most beautiful when I gazed upon it yesterday. I am not certain I or it will be there tomorrow. A star is most beautiful as I watch it's glow 'RIGHT NOW IN THIS MOMENT'.

Shine On!