Don't Try To Be Happy...

The attainment of happiness feels like the ultimate aim of our lives. Something we all are pursuing as the primary goal of life and have a right to.

But where is it? Can you see it anywhere? Where do I go to find this elusive state? Its often like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow - tantalisingly just out of reach if we try and focus our mind on it. We want to be happy but what is the formula? The answer maybe in simply not trying so hard to seek it or at least in not seeing it as an end in itself.

John Stuart Mill said "Those only are happy who have their minds fixed on some great object other than their own happiness...aiming thus at something else, they find happiness."

Happiness is achievable then but only as a by-product of meeting our other desires and finding meaning in our lives. When we see these plans or desires reach fruition, then we are happy.

The message from this it seems to me is don't wast time on seeking happiness, instead seek meaning in your life - with your work or family or friends or hobbies - and in the pursuit of these things you will also find happiness.