Happiness

During my first quarter of college (September 2006), I took an Intro to Psychology class. Although I found the subject terribly boring, I went to class every single day. One day, the professor came in and instead of turning on the computer for a power point presentation (like usual), she wrote on the board "When will you be happy?"

She turned to our class and asked for some answers. Students began to shout out answers like: "When I graduate college", "When I get married", "When I start my career", and "When I have my children." The list began to grow longer and longer until finally the professor turned to us and said, "Why the heck, aren't you happy now?"

I was quite stunned by her response, but she continued. "Why are you waiting to be happy? Don't wait until you get married or graduate. You have to find happiness and satisfaction in what you have at this present moment."

Wow, what an important life concept. Being satisfied with what you have in the present and not waiting to be happy.



I read a "coffee table" book from Hallmark recently called, Dance While You Can, and there is a passage from this book I'd like to share with you.

First, I was dying to finish high school and start college.
And then, I was dying to finish college and start working.
And then, I was dying to marry and have children.
And then, I was dying for my children to grow old enough so I could get back to my career.
And then, I was dying to retire.
And now, I am dying… and suddenly realize that I forgot to live.

-Author Unknown-