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smiles

Reading through my Facebook posts over the past few days, I’m starting to notice a trend with many of the posts. Lately, a lot of people seem to be experiencing severe emotional pain. It’s really sad. Maybe, it’s just the time of year for depression. I have no idea.

No, I don’t really have any prepared spiel or anything…it’s just something I’ve noticed. It’s almost as if people have just learned to live with emotional hurt these days. Heck, I assume it’s a “these days” thing, but what do I know? Maybe it’s always been this way.

What makes a person happy?

Actually, let’s take a step back.

Is happiness really all it’s cracked up to be? I mean, maybe that’s the problem. Our society has sort of been going on the assumption that pursuing and finding happiness will help us to bear the pain of life. But I’m just not sure that’s the truth.

First of all, happiness is fleeting. The things that seem to make us most happy, money, food, sex, vacation, are rarely as good in actuality as they are in anticipation. And they often end right at the point that we’re most enjoying them.

Secondly, what we perceive as happiness is often more of a reflection of our fears, trauma, and insecurities as individuals than a pull toward the good. I mean, excessive alcoholic consumption, revenge, pedophilia, and murder have all made people happy. As sick as it sounds, it’s the truth.

So, I ask the question…should happiness be our chief pursuit in life? And if so, then what gives people true, lasting happiness? Is it even attainable for us?

I’m not saying I’m good at finding answers, but I sure do like asking a lot of questions.