On the eve of Independence Day I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the American obsession with being happy. We are, as a group, surprisingly anxious about this ever ‘slightly-out-of-reach’ carrot. Like any dog with the scent of prey sighted in the distance we race after it harder and harder. Statistically, we rank pretty low on the international scale of happiness too. Perhaps it’s time to just sit back and relax for a moment.
I think happiness is actually something that sneaks up on you. If you have ever tried to get a wild bird (like a sparrow or chickadee) to sit on your finger you know that the secret is being very still and letting the bird come to you. Pursuing it will only convince it to get as far away as possible. Focus your attention on what living well means to you and just maybe happiness will come along for the ride.
