Is happiness a destination or are you just driving past it?

How many of us have said, “I will be happy when I have a new job, or when I have more money, or when we go on vacation, or when…??

How do you define happiness? Do you think that it is a destination, a fixed point you can reach after achieving a major goal, such as buying a house, getting a promotion, going on your dream vacation, or meeting your soulmate? Although it seems that this “destination happiness” is fleeting, conditional, and can often lead to an endless cycle of chasing the next achievement without ever truly feeling satisfied.

Or do you feel like you are just driving past happiness? This could be a metaphor for the idea that happiness is happening all around you in the small moments of your daily life. The “driving past it” refers to being so focused on the horizon (the destination) that you fail to notice and appreciate the joy and contentment in your current circumstances, relationships, and simple, everyday experiences.

For many years, I struggled and strived constantly to find happiness for myself, but I continually found myself worn down, stressed out and unhappy. However, a few years ago, I felt God challenging me with this question of happiness. After many experiences, time in prayer, and reading His Word, I’ve realized that true happiness is:

• A choice. It is not focused on external factors, but rather on my internal perspective and attitude.

• A state of mind that I choose to be in, regardless of my situation and continue to be content and thankful (To stay in an attitude of gratitude as much as possible.)

• A direct result of doing something good for other people; giving to others. I was recently reminded of Acts 20:35, which says “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Amazing! Giving brings more happiness than receiving? This is fascinating, as we live in a world and culture that seems obsessed with receiving. I used to look at people who had a lot of stuff and think that they must be truly happy. However, I think that true happiness comes from a lifestyle of giving to others. As a kid, I couldn’t wait for Christmas to arrive, bringing with it a merry atmosphere, delicious food and desserts, and of course, gift-giving. On Christmas Eve, we would exchange gifts with the rest of our family. Then, tucked in our beds with brand new pajamas, we anticipated waking up to the sight of Santa’s extra presents spilling from our stockings. The anticipation of receiving gifts brought us joy. If we are honest, we all love to receive gifts. However, for me, I am learning to embrace the journey; appreciate the process of growth; and actively choose to find Joy in the present rather than waiting for some future achievement to make me happy. Although, I still love the gifts! LOL.

Lesson learned: Someone once told me, “Choose to be the sunshine in your own story.”