A Principled Life
If you think that I already left this topic, think again! 
I know my postings come far in between, but who said finding a good material for my chosen topic is easy! (defensive mode) Anyways, I write because I was again confronted by a question that came from within me as I took that 2-hour bus ride from Fairview, QC. to Makati. The question was, when am I happy? It’s not when will I be happy but, when am I happy? I realized the importance of asking my self questions that I can actually find answer to rather than throw sighs of uncertainty in the air. If I ask my self when will I be happy? I could probably answer well, when I finally get my own car, or when I am able to buy a new house and lot , or get my kids to finish College, or when I finally achieve that ever elusive financial freedom. I could give all sorts of answers but I know for sure that achieving them won’t guarantee me happiness. It’s like wanting to watch a movie without really being certain if you will find the enjoyment you expect.
I don’t know if anyone will agree with me or if this is even a new idea at all, with gazillions of people in this world, it’s hard to claim originality. I think that happiness is not a destination. It’s not something you achieve, but It is some thing that you do. Ok, I may have watched too many cartoons, but there is one that reminds me of what I’m talking about. I forgot which cartoon show it was but it was about a hunter who went after a monster all his life. He failed many times but never surrendered thinking that the only thing that can make him feel satisfied in his life is being able to slay the monster. When he finally killed the monster, he felt deep emptiness. All of a sudden, he lost his sense of purpose. All these time he thought killing the monster will make him happy only to realize that he has been happy all along because he was enjoying the chase. The failures fired up his blood to seek new ways of pursuing his monster. The closer he gets, the more thrilled he is of the prospect.
Here’s how I’d like to connect this little story with my topic. Our mission in life are our monster. We want to finally be able to take our monster by the tail, slam it to the earth draw our sword, plunge it to its heart and step over its carcass. That time might come or then again maybe not, it doesn’t matter. You may have heard this one before… Its not the destination that matters but the journey. Happiness is not in the destination but in the journey, its in the thrill of the hunt.
Here’s my call to action. Find your passion and decide where you want to bring it. Again let me ask you this question, when are you happy? Let me share with you mine… I’m happy seeing other people smile (or laugh). I’m happy when I see inspired people, I’m happy when I am able to help people realize just how good they are and how much they underestimate their own power. I’m most happy when I am able to create… or do something of value to other people. I have aspirations too. I aspire for everything that I mentioned earlier. Now that I thought about it, I will also be happy when I finally achieve what I am aspiring for, but I am not waiting that long, I can be happy now.
When are you happy? how about doing those things that make you happy now…
Enjoy the ride!
