A Break From Politics

I don't know about you but it seems that each presidential election cycle wears me out worse than the previous one. Maybe it is because I am getting old or that my disappointment with the selection each time grows. Whatever the reason this is a good day to take a break.

Most of my adult life has been consumed with the "pursuit of happiness". Of course the description of said "happiness" has changed over the years so it has been a moving target. After high school it was about the path to wealth was integral to happiness. I made goals (most unrealistic) of where I would be financially at 30, 40 and beyond. I was single, relatively intelligent, and had all of the confidence in the world. There was nothing I could not achieve. As usually happens, detours along the way adjust your goals and your definitions of happiness. Finding someone I wanted to spend my life with changed everything. My narcissism took a back seat and family was front and center. Happiness was found in the adventures of my children, the life my wife and I built together and my part in these things. The next stage, which for me began about 10 years ago, was finding happiness in the service to others. Their smiles were my smiles and I find great satisfaction in serving others. Gone are the dreams of millions, big houses, and all the toys that come with an opulent lifestyle.

So in looking back I have no regrets about the path I took, the choices I made, or how things ended up. I would suggest to those who are early in their on journey to consider the following:

1. Consider the number of times you smile or laugh daily.
2. Are your pursuits bigger than yourself?
3. Do you have someone to share your life with?

The happiest times in my life are the times when I laughed and smiled frequently. Having a purpose that goes beyond the pursuit of riches is crucial. Without my wife and family my accomplishments would not have been as satisfying.