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If it is true that everyone is capable of finding true happiness, then why, you may ask, are so many of us miserable? That question, along with its hundreds of possible answers, is as complex as the meaning of life itself. Thousands of self-help books have been written on the subject, but yet most of them fall out of print rather quickly, virtually unnoticed or quickly forgotten. Millions of psychologists around the world (count them... millions!) pour their heart into making people happier by prescribing their personal self-improvement regimen, only to find their patients coming back time after time, having failed the trials of life. Doctors, authors, and average Joes are all sending out mixed signals and conflicting beliefs on the human condition, but few people seem able (or willing) to make sense of it all.
Regardless of your age, by now you have certainly made an observation about this world... that something is wrong. You are correct. We have all asked ourselves, "If life is such a miracle, then why can't every single living being learn to be happy?" The truth is, we can all achieve our own true happiness, and the answer, not surprisingly, lies within ourselves. And although we're right that we live in a world of both fortune and famine, of goodwill and human atrocity, our own state of mind is something that we can control and improve, every day of our lives.
I have come to realize that I have achieved a state of rapture that I previously had not believed possible. I was able to find this kind of joy in a rather challenging time, which is a testament that happiness exists as a power within, rather than as a product of luck or fortune. I currently own very little, I am trying to manage a hefty amount of debt, I am trying to survive in a market that is just starting to recover, and my business is only now starting to show some promise for growth. Yet, I have discovered that I am able to find strength in all the challenges that face me on a daily basis. By pondering world history and advancement in the areas of science and medicine, I consider myself very fortunate that I live in such a time of longevity, prosperity, and relative peace. Just like our grandparents would never imagine our advances in technology and space exploration, we can hardly imagine their world of yesterday where massive world wars and a bone-crushing worldwide depression were tearing away at society year after year.
Our grievances and bickering are so petty in comparison. We have never had it so good. Personally, as a gay Westerner in the 21st century, I feel that I hardly deserve the virtually sedate life in San Francisco. I am able to explore a city abound with culture, countless attractions, and huge conventions. I can frolic about this diverse community of attractive gay men from every corner of the world, most of whom are oblivious to a time or place where homosexuality is a crime punishable by death.
Besides falling in love with my city, my passions also fuel my happiness. I love classical music, and this is a perfect place to grow as a musician. I am ecstatic about flying, and although I probably cannot make a career out of aviation, I still share the cockpit with my friends from time to time. I am also becoming actively involved in the cryonics community, and it is easy to find like-minded people in my area. I always count my blessings and keep everything in perspective, and I hope that I am encouraging others to do the same.
I know, life's battles are many, and often they seem endless. And because of that, I promise that I will have something inspiring to share with all of you every week. Break-ups are a bitch, but you can overcome them and learn from them. Job layoffs are grueling, but there is another job out there with your name on it. Toothaches are excruciating, but for goodness' sake, help is just around the corner. Cancer may threaten your life, but doctors and new technology will give you a good fighting chance to live.
For most of us, life gets easier and easier every year. But for those who have not yet discovered how to empower yourself and achieve true happiness: just remember that regardless of your past, and regardless of the burden of misfortune, you can still find that inner peace.
And you will be happy, if only you let yourself be.
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