Happiness is in the Heart of the Beholder

by Raymund Tamayo

I believe that I’m happy now as I possibly could.

I’m not saying that I don’t have any problems or I have everything that I want and need, but what I’m simply saying is that I am happy right now.

It’s not a superlative form of happiness that brings tears of joy or screams of rapturous bliss, but a sense of contentment in who I am, who I’m with, where I am, and what I’m doing.

Sometimes, it is difficult to explain this mindset, but I’m sure you’ve already felt this feeling in at least one point in your life.

And this is the feeling of happiness that I pray you always have for the rest of your life.

I don’t have:

        1. A mansion

        2. A BMW

        3. A coat and tie

        4. A yacht

        5. A home theatre

        6. A six-figure job

But I am as happy as I can be. I don’t believe that any of the above things could give any greater joy than what I already have. Although, of course, I would be happy to have any one of those things.

However, here’s what I do have that add to my sense of fulfillment and satisfaction:

        1. Time – to be with the ones I love and do the things I love

        2. Health – body, mind, and spirit

        3. Warm relationships – with those who intimately know me and who I intimately know back

        4. Meaningful vocation – writing, inspiring others, and serving God through a local church

        5. Spiritual growth – my progressive personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior

Don't get me wrong… I’m not saying that I’m better than anyone who has the six items in the first list. If they are happy with it, then good for them, in the same way that if I’m happy now then good for me.

However, what I’m saying is I believe happiness is in the heart of the beholder and that your own contentment is based on nothing but you.