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Makes you happy?
Off the Wall
July 10, 2008
Not long ago, I sent out one of my famous surveys
to find out people opinions what would be the one thing that
would make one the happiest. I must have touched a part of the
brain in people, because I got an overflow of responses, something
that rarely happens anymore concerning my ongoing questionnaires.
I was prompted to ask this question after talking
to one lad who insisted that the greatest thing that would bring
him joy was having a million to a billion dollars. I wondered
if there were others who felt the same way as he.
One woman told me, "I used to always think
that the one thing that would make me happiest would be financially
independent. While it would definitely make me happy, I don't
think that would do it either."
A close relative emailed me to state, "Peace
in the world."
An old friend stated, "I'd love to go to the
beach house is where my family gathers. This is where I am closest
to God. Who could ask for anything more?"
Another expressed a view that, I believe, many Americans
hold in their heart. "I would like the soldiers to come
home from Iraq."
Two people responded with similar answers to my
survey. An associate whom I have known for many years, told me,
"If I had at least one more day to spend with my mother,
my sister, one brother and my daughter I would love to have my
lifetime to be with them, but I would take one more day."
The other person stated, "If only my nephew could
be brought back so my brother would not have to be grieving as
badly as he is to be able to turn back the clock if you
will."
Another relative put it to me this way. "Our
real happiness or joy comes from within. It is the joy anything
in the world cannot compare to. It is the joy that sustains us
even in a time of crisis. It is Jesus' joy, the joy of salvation!"
A friend of mine studying for his theology degree
replied with a two-word answer "God's grace."
Anytime I send out my surveys, I know without a
shadow of a doubt I will hear from one individual. She has always
been faithful in responding to my questions. Truthfully, she
stated, "At this point in my life, to have anything that
would make me happier, I can't name. What makes me happy is being
healthy, having those around me happy and healthy. I have a job
I love and the ability to get to that job and do well. I hope.
I don't believe any amount of money can buy happiness. Pity the
souls who think it makes them happy.
"I personally do not think "things"
can make you happy," a former client explained to me. "Happiness
can only be found from within. Things are fleeting, as you get
the "one" that that will make you happy and then a
"new thing" takes its place. Also, in many cases, you
can choose to make you and those around you miserable or you
can close to be happy. Of course we all have down days."
A gentleman whom I consider a good friend answered
by stating "contentment or just be content." I have
to say that I thoroughly understand his feelings. To be totally
at peace concerning everything that goes on within one's life
is definitely a plus. The only problem I could see (and I've
done it myself) is allowing myself to get stuck in the comfort
zone. Sometimes more can be accomplished if we push on and not
allow contentment to overtake us.
But no column would be absolutely complete if I
didn't throw in my two cents worth. One of the many things that
would make me the happiest is that the stresses in my life would
be eliminated. You say "You're retired now. You should be
stress free." Just ain't so. But stress is not a bad thing,
necessarily. It is how one handles it that counts. I'm on the
right road to counteracting it, and that helps make me the happiest!
Paul J. Volkmann
6/26/08
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