Clearing a Path for Happiness

In the United States, the pursuit of happiness is a god-given right and Americans have a document to prove it. But I wonder why the Founding Fathers deliberately phrased it, 'the pursuit of happiness', as if to say --- happiness in itself cannot be granted because it was, and still remains, tied to materialism. In the "pursuit" of happiness, it is each person's own definition: riches, health, religion, etc.

Take, as an example, the pessimist and optimist. If anything bad happens, the pessimist believes it will not last long but will surely undermine his life. He feels the deck is stacked against him, yet being more realistic than the optimist, he prepares himself for misfortune.

The optimist regards it as a temporary setback and goes about removing the obstacle. He risks more but these efforts give meaning to his life and he makes the best of it. To acquire is to be happy (so the culture teaches) therefore blessed are they for among them are corporate executives in their mansions.

There is enough on the subject of happiness to fill an ebook, but let's measure just one facet: the Internet. How much would it take to make you a happy Interneter? Has your 'big break' eluded you thus far? What kind of Internet success would give you a sense of control over your life ? because when you think about it, "control over your life" is a huge slice of happiness.

To generate an income on the Internet, it must come through the development of integrity, character, and efforts on behalf of a cause greater than oneself. By doing the job with honesty, helpfulness, and concern for others, we may have to take some time from our busy schedule to 'coach' a struggling newbie. This mindset offers an easier path to your own success.

Personally, I have not set goals of Internet success so high that it would plunge me into depression when deprived of a six figure income. Given the years (like me) you have labored the Internet, you must avoid the "joy-busters" out to derail your efforts. Only then can you begin living up to your full potential. You will discover more energy and creativity, better relationships, healthier thoughts leading to new ideas and a more rewarding income.

Is there a difference between the life you have ? and the life you want? Do you think excuses or results? You can change this today; be that singer who is tone-deaf but sings anyway for the sheer joy it offers.

Jim Leonard wrote, "Happiness is a skill. As with other skills, you can get better at it." He suggests that at this point in your life you might think that things are not the way they should be. Yet things are the way they are. If you can be happy in that reality, then you will improve your life faster and reach your goals easier. Energy will not be wasted on friction or regrets.

What you have is the present moment. Use it ? enjoy it.

© 2004 Esther Smith

Esther Smith is editor of Partners-For-Profit Newsletter; always a good read and publisher of http://thepermanentventure.com and http://MoreOnlineCash.com ? Subscribers to PFP receive a weekly diet of marketing and advertising reports, fr*ee bonuses, ad space and 5-star resources to start up, run and explode your business venture. clendon@thepermanentventure.com?subject=subscribe

In The News:


St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Dog used as metaphor for happiness in 'Marley & Me'
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,  United States - 7 hours ago
"That's what I wanted the movie to capture, and that's why the dog is such a beautiful metaphor for happiness," Frankel said. "Dogs don't look forward, ...

Christmas Happiness Fund important in tough times
Salisbury Post, NC - 16 hours ago
That's where Christmas Happiness can help. This will make the 57th year the fund — cosponsored by the Salisbury Post and the Rowan County Department of ...
Foster Children's Fund benefits via Love Enough to Share Burlington Times News
all 2 news articles

7 Steps To Happiness For This Holiday Season
WebWire (press release), GA - Dec 1, 2008
(Old Lyme, CT December 1,2008) Happiness is not as hard to find if one applies effort and acceptance of the joy of the "simple" things in our everyday life. ...

If happiness is so important to most of us, why are we so glum?
Insight News, MN - 3 hours ago
By Julie Desmond According to a study entitled "What Makes a Life Good," Americans consider happiness more important to them than money, moral goodness, ...

How to give the gift of happiness
abc7news.com, CA - 10 hours ago
New research shows if you give someone a life experience - there will be more happiness for more people and for a longer period of time. ...

Happiness lessons 'having little impact'
Times Online, UK - 6 hours ago
All pupils will receive lessons in emotional skills and happiness by 2011 under plans brought in by Ed Balls, the Schools Secretary. ...

New York Daily News

OPINION: Ignorant pigs stampede sale
Colorado Springs Gazette, CO - 23 hours ago
He had the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and those were taken by members of an ignorant, immoral mob. RC Hoiles - the late, ...
Video: Police: Crowd at Wal-Mart 'recipe for Disaster' AssociatedPress
How the Wal-Mart Stampede Made a Long Holiday Season Longer Huffington Post
Black Friday reveals unfortunate truths UNLV The Rebel Yell
Tampabay.com - Elmira Star-Gazetteall 2,739 news articles

Good grief!
Buffalo News,  United States - 13 hours ago
He’s the artist who brought happiness to so many as the world’s most popular cartoonist. He’s the creator of Snoopy, the incarnation of joy in beagle form ...

Happiness in Bhutan
INTHEFRAY Magazine - 20 hours ago
Happiness radiated from weather-beaten faces, with their windburned cheeks and smiles that showed teeth stained red from betel nut addiction. ...

TEDDY SCARES up some haunted holiday happiness
FANGORIA - 13 hours ago
If Barbie and Tickle-Me Elmo are too tame for your taste, don’t fret—Applehead Factory has the perfect remedy for you. “Teddy Scares” and “Tofu the Vegan ...
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