Here’s food for thought today: When was the last time you were truly happy?

For many of you, the answer is no more than five minutes ago. For others, the answer could span decades of time. Is happiness an ongoing character trait, or does happiness require cultivation? And who do you suppose dictates how your happiness will manifest itself?

I follow Sir Richard Branson on twitter, and earlier this week he mentioned that he had recently learned that the Bhutanese (people from a small Himalayan kingdom) have appointed a Minister of Happiness, and that “happiness” will now be assimilated into their nation’s set of values—using a new measurement of prosperity called “gross national happiness”. Branson goes on to surmise that by focusing on creating a happy work force, other things for that nation will prosper as well. He is right in his comment here– there’s no question that happiness and improved cultural relationships can create wonderful positives for any organization of people.

When we’re a happier, things fit together better, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle effortlessly completed. When we’re happier, we’re more productive and enthusiastic for the moment. When we’re happier, we feel empowered, and we’re in anticipation of even better things ahead.

I appreciate Sir Richard’s leadership, and appreciate his ideas. My natural B.S. radar goes up, however, anytime I hear that a government agency or minister or czar has a new plan to make me happier. Call me a cynic, in this particular arena. I’m guessing many of you feel the same way, you Kansas rebels, you. Certainly, over the past few years, my personal happiness meter has been externally challenged a whole bunch by our nation’s elected officials. But much of it is a lot of extraneous nonsense, so I’m not going to let it affect me. I’m putting a human spam blocker on external life noise— to filter out those events and circumstances that I have little to no control over.

Here’s the real message for today, in a series of bullet points, regarding happiness:

 

• You are the sole owner of, and the only person, who can define what happiness means to you. And that can vary dramatically, person to person.

• You are empowered by your Creator with life, and by our nation, with inalienable rights and the freedom to choose your own path ahead. There’s nothing blocking your way, except your resolve, and your imagination.

• What you did yesterday, pales in comparison to the potential of this moment, and the direction you can define for your life in the days, months, and years ahead—for yourself, your family, your career, where you want to live, and what you want to be when you actually grow up.

• The sum total of your yesterdays provides a good foundation of experiences for you to build upon in the future. Some of the things you have done in the past have worked out pretty well. You’ll keep doing those things, I hope. Other things you’ve learned are lessons that provide insight, as to pitfalls, for you to avoid. And now you’re smarter.

• You need to be fearless in taking charge of your life. In fearlessness, you will find rewards, and true happiness. To allow your environment to dictate your direction in life is corollary to watching a ship, listing upon a stormy sea. Without taking charge, you will be lost. By setting a course, and moving forward, you can reach your goals and objectives. The only person stopping you from being happy is the person who stares back at you in the mirror each morning. 

• If your situation feels hopeless, it’s not. There are always resources in life to help you. Even in times of despair and anguish–  know this– the sun will come up again another day, it will shine brightly, and you can, and will, experience happiness again. Walk towards the light, and away from the darkness.

• Keep yourself grounded in things that make you truly happy. Don’t allow others to determine how, when, or where your happiness will be experienced. Living a life based upon doing what others expect of you, will not bring fulfillment. Do the dance you want to do.

• Show sincere appreciation and kindness to each person you meet along the way. The discourse and dialogue you share may lead you towards exciting new ideas, or help you to better see your life for the beautiful thing it already is. Be open to each moment’s opportunities. But remember to thank those that lend you a hand.

• Spend time with positive people. There are folks in life who relish the idea of making everyone’s life around them miserable. Don’t get caught up in the weeds of negativity. Divorce yourself from those types of relationships. Hang with the turkeys, and you’ll eventually be one. 

Have you ever read the story about acres of diamonds? A man determined for himself that he wanted to be rich, and was convinced that by securing hands full of diamonds, he would be happy forevermore. He envisioned a place where diamonds would be found everywhere, sold his land, and traversed the global, seeking fortune. He trudged on for most of the years of his life, searching for the moment in which the treasured diamonds he dreamed about would be his. But after decades of searching he headed for home, broken and hopeless, and on his way, his ship faced a huge storm, was broken apart, and he perished just miles from his home.

Meanwhile, at his original homestead, the man who acquired his land, took his horse to the river for a drink, and saw something flashing in the water— a black rock reflecting light everywhere. It was a rock just waiting to be cut and polished. He discovered that there were acres of diamonds imbedded in the soil, ready to be harvested. The man’s wealth grew exponentially, as he stumbled upon one of the greatest diamond mines ever found.

The first man had wasted his life, chasing rainbows and looking for an easy way to become rich. He was unable to identify that the riches he dreamed about were already within his reach. Wealth beyond measure lay in the ground he had once owned. Had he lifted a spade, or inspected what he already had, his dream would have been realized—right in his own backyard.

The point of the story is that for most of us, happiness is right under our feet. It lies within us, no matter where we reside. It lies in our relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. It’s waiting inside of these bodies we occupy, ready to burst forth using our skill sets, our capability to reason, and our ability to love.

Happiness cannot be measured by the “stuff” we accumulate, but more importantly, by the lives we touch, by the things we accomplish, and by our participation in really living for today. Happiness is a state of mind—something you can control, as your attitude will definitely determine your altitude.

So here’s the deal: Choose to be happy. Choose to be a person of influence. Choose to be a difference maker. Choose to use your God-given talents to grow, and achieve. Choose to be a doer. Choose to excel. Choose to live in this moment, and to be in positive expectation for tomorrow. And along the way be kind, and thankful for your blessings . . . with others, and with God.

I promise that be doing so, you will lead a more fulfilling life—a happier life.

You can do it.

Blessings,

tw

Tom Wilbur is President/CEO of BANK VI in Salina. He is a lifelong resident of Salina, and has been a regular editorial contributor to newspapers and magazines, and a public speaker for many years. Tom is a graduate of Salina Central, and the University of Kansas. He is a founding member of The Last National Band, and the NINE:50 Worship Band at Trinity United Methodist Church. He has never owned anything that brought him more happiness than a hug from his daughter or his son. He can be contacted at tomw@banksix.com