Dec 30 2012
Claiming the “Happy” in #New Years
Happy New Years – At What Cost?
Happy New Year! We wish it upon others by rote at this time, because proper decorum demands it as such, and gladly accept it when it’s being routinely directed back to us, without giving it further thought. I certainly don’t, with this post, intend to be a party pooper, but if I want the best for you in this coming year, come what may, (and I most sincerely do), then I would invite you to consider this question:
Is there anything whatsoever, innately happy about new years?
For all of us, throughout this coming new year, it will be a mixed bag. One the one hand and to one extreme, there will be moments of great exhilaration, like experiencing a hole-in-one if you’re a golfer (I’m not), a personal largest sale ever, if you’re a salesperson, the birth of a child or grand-child, a recovery from a serious illness or injury, perhaps miraculously so, or how about the #U.S. Supreme Court declaring equality under Federal law to our # LGBT brothers and sisters, or perhaps achieving best-seller status of a book you’ve authored (like # “The Walk” for instance). But, these highs, like all narcotics, will dissipate, perhaps moments later, returning you to the place where you must now seek out the next figment of your happiness.
On the other hand, and to the other extreme, to be sure, for some, there will be times of immense sorrow, like the passing of a loved one, perhaps a life-partner, child, grand-child, or a beloved 4-legged angel, or perhaps encountering a serious disabling illness or injury, that literally changes your world as you knew it – forever, or maybe, losing the place that you once referred to as home, and with it, your sense of significance and self-worth.
Make no mistake about it – life, real-life, is not linear. It’s non-linear – even violently turbulent! Life on planet earth, is a never-ending series of living between one anguish and the next. It’s only a matter of when, not if, the next sorrow rears its head. Perhaps, that’s why so many millions worldwide, pursue and indulge a mantra on steroids, of “eat, drink and be merry” each new year’s eve, hoping to somehow create a euphoric high, if even for a few hours, an escape from what they know they’ll wake up to the next day. Perhaps, it’s a sub-conscious attempt to de-sensitize themselves to what they know is coming.
If you’ve put up with me so far, and now that you’ve swallowed a healthy dose of “bummer, now comes the really good news, I mean REALLY #GOOD NEWS -”True permanent happiness and priceless riches in a world of great uncertainty, is available for all, every second of every day, regardless of what life throws at you! Three things:
- True and enduring happiness, a happiness that surpasses all understanding, regardless of external events (most that you can’t control), is never going to be found anywhere but within your heart. You can know it whenever you’re ready (click your heels three times). It’s a decision that begins with seeing and responding to the needs of others before yourself, a compassionate explosion if you will, for all sentient beings, and a turning away from the great executioner of happiness, “I.” This “I” is a liar, a deceiver of many, who have bought into the notion that greed is good. If that is so, why are the multitudes no more “happy” this new year’s than the last one, or the one before that? True happiness will only be found in opening your heart to others, but it’s reward is unfathomable. Listen carefully – Everything and everyone else, that purports that you can know happiness any other way, is an illusion. It’s a vacuous assertion.
- Every act that focuses on the needs of others, will be a deposit into your happiness bank account, and will compound like nothing you have ever seen before. The difference though with this investment, is that that no one can take it away from you and it will never devalue, only grow – because it’s eternal. It’s the best “shelter” there is – a happiness shelter.
- On August 19, 2012, I posted “Living a Victorious Life – EVERYDAY! It’s a powerful message for all, especially at this time of the year. Here’s the link: http://thewalkbook.com/living-a-victorious-day-everyday/
Now, I’m not saying don’t have an enjoyable, safe evening tomorrow with friends and family. Most things in moderation are healthy. What I am saying is this: Don’t pin your happiness on tomorrow or any other external event. You’ll never discover happiness that way.
“Everything external, that which exists outside of ourselves changes, and as to any earthly form – dies. There are no exceptions whatsoever”! – Anonymous
If there is anyone you feel, should also be reading this at this time of the year, kindly feel free to share it with them. You never know!
KEEP WALKING!!!
www.thewalkbook.com
Thank you, Rabbi. I knew that, and though I must often sound like a curmugeon, I am actually happy in my heart. When my marriage broke up, I was astonished and please to find that a few weeks later, the Susan I used to know emerged to direct my days. I had not been aware that I had been repressed and depressed by troubles, but I was very pleased that my spirit had not been permanently destroyed. I wish everyone a happy spirit in the coming year.
Thank you so very much for this Sue. You are indeed a much valued and dear friend. I’m so blessed that our paths crossed. Wishing you a year ahead of great health, true joy and “enough” abundance.
your writing is spoken straight from the heart. It cuts to the chase and can reach many a soul.
Thanks so very much Nancy. It’s my deepest desire, that my writing will touch a chord within the hearts of the readers, motivating them to question – perhaps for the very first time, what they have been valuing, and perhaps thereafter, choosing to change their path. I suppose you might say, I want them to experience lives that are truly rich, on the inside, and therefore – immortal! Do feel free to pass on the post to those you feel might benefit. After all, this is a “team thing.”
I truly believe in finding happiness through giving/sharing/being with others. Lovely post. I hope 2013 brings you much joy.
Garrett: Thanks for stopping by and sharing a comment. I appreciate it very much. That’s the key to permanent inner-directed happiness – pouring compassion lavishly upon others, everywhere. You get it!