|
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: money, health, religion, etc.
Take, for 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 fact: the Internet. How much
would it take to make you a happy Interneter? Has your 'big break' eluded
you up to now? 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 a profit 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
About
the Author: Smith has published numerous articles and writes a blog for
all artists:
http://the-self-taught-artist.com/blog.html
She also coaches new students on how to leave the time-for-money trap and set up
Leveraged Income for life.
http://thepermanentventure.com/dcc.htm If you can’t sing or ride a
bull, you better learn how to make your money work for more money.
|