by Scott Scherr

Created on: November 21, 2008

How does one stay perpetually happy? Sounds like a ridiculous question if one considers the vast spectrum of emotions we find ourselves experiencing from one day to the next. Is it possible to maintain happiness on a continual basis? Is it possible to find contentment remaining our faithful companion through all of life's ups and downs; never leaving our side regardless of circumstance?

Far be it from me to claim that I know the "secret" to achieving this. For like you, I am human, and have yet to experience, let alone witness in another such a marvelous and perhaps miraculous state of being.

What would it take to achieve such a goal? Some might argue that money would help us on this quest, or perhaps the age old, "If I only met the right man or the right woman, I would be happy." Some would turn to medical science hoping for "the happy pill"; an anti-depressant that would simply turn off, or numb a part of the brain that gives us the "blues" and thus, our happiness would flow free of obstruction.

Common reasons for missing the happiness boat could include: If I only had this one wish fulfilled, this one dream come true; if I had chosen the left road rather than the right; if only I'd been dealt a better hand from birth I would have had a fair shake. All of these and more, then and only then, I would finally be happy. The list of failed expectations would be endless.

Seriously though, if all the planets of our never-ending wants and desires happened to line up and we got everything we said we wanted or needed, would we than be satisfied? Is the elusive bridge of self-fulfillment the "secret" to perpetual happiness then?

I would suggest we consider an alternative route to this lofty goal. What if the "secret" to perpetual happiness is something found outside self? What if we took our eyes of our own needs and wants and focused them on the cares and well being of those around us instead?

Again, I have never known a perpetually happy person, however, it has been my experience that those who do not ask such questions, and those that do not think about themselves enough to be concerned with their own "happiness", have been the happiest people I've ever come across. They have discovered a "secret" only found in laying down their lives for others. I don't know if that is the secret to perpetual happiness, but if isn't, it sure comes close.

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