Negative
Happiness
Charlie Earl
Many people
assume that happiness is a shining moment of momentary joy or the acquisition
of some item or state of mind. My sense is that happiness, or perhaps more
precisely… contentment, can be achieved through not having something. For
example I do not have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). That makes me
happy. I do not have to scratch in the dirt on a daily basis finding worms for
dinner. That makes me happy. Writing an occasional column that does not
generate wrath and furor…. sometimes makes me happy. Managing to survive in
Northwest Ohio until the end of January without plowing snow from my driveway
makes me darned near ecstatic. Bottom line is that happiness doesn’t always
involve a trip to Disneyland. It can be a quiet afternoon at home with no
interruptions.
Happiness or
its pursuit is highly contextual and personal. For those of us who cherish liberty
happiness can be defined simply as having the government and its assortment of
do-gooders just leaving us alone. Solitude and reflection are not typical
notions of happiness, but for some of us they are illusive and coveted. For
example, I prefer to watch meaningful events alone. Ohio State versus Michigan
football games, the Super Bowl, election debates and election returns are the
types of activities that I enjoy absorbing without continuous input and chatter
from others. So, based on my own personal preferences, I can conclude that
happiness can be the avoidance of annoyance. That could explain why politicians
generally cause me to be unhappy.
Happiness as
a dramatic event or special occasion is radically overrated. How many
long-anticipated family vacations turn out as giddily enchanting as the
expectations? How many glamorous brides have shed tears over some minor mishap
during what should be one of the most glorious days of her life? No…happiness
is rarely accompanied by rolling drums and trumpets blaring. It is more often
similar to the soothing sounds of a harp or a gentle violin solo. Happiness is
more often co-joined with contentment than with adrenaline. The pursuit of
happiness should a solid journey toward self fulfillment rather than a frantic
scramble for fleeting fun. Happiness is not hedonistic grasping but more like
sweetly savoring moments of achievement and peace.
For many,
happiness is equated with escapism. Through drugs, alcohol or any number of
personality-altering enhancements, some folks seem driven to look for happiness
beyond their daily realities. They haven’t yet accepted the fact that after the
escapist journey has ended….reality remains. The pathway towards fulfillment,
contentment and happiness is similar to playing one’s way around a Monopoly
board. Each little step, every new property leads one toward victory. A player
cannot conquer the board with one move because it requires a series of
well-executed maneuvers to reach the final goal. There may be setbacks or
losses, but the player can never claim victory while sitting idle or
withdrawing. The game must be played one step at a time.
Obviously
the pursuit of true happiness is more than just a game, but the applications
and lessons learned are similar. The board defines the parameters of the
pursuit, and it is often wiser to seek happiness in little ways in tiny
increments rather than to jump off the board. The disciplined life is a proven
path to happiness if it does not become an obsessive quest. Happiness does not
have to be a pedal-to-the-metal pursuit. It can be one’s reward for doing the
little things well. Enjoy the game, and may your properties be loaded with
hotels.
Charlie Earl
