Searching for Happiness......

I hope that everyone is having a good week so far!! I am sitting here enjoying relaxing this evening. I watched a little Rudolph on the television.....now I am watching the Grammy nominations, and thinking how thankful I am for music. Sometimes I wonder what life would be without music? I appreciate music for so many different reasons. Sometimes I enjoy listening to it because of the beat. At other times I enjoy dancing and the fun it brings about. Sometimes I like to listen to it for memories, especially classical rock for childhood memories (yay Styx and AC/DC)!! However, I think above all, I mostly enjoy the words to songs. Sure, there are some songs that make no sense and we like them because of their beat, or how they make us feel. But often when I truly like a song, it is because of the lyrics within that song. I am thankful to the artists that write and create music!

But anyway, tonight I was reading through some different quotes. I love quotes....and I came upon this quote - "Everyone, without exception, is searching for happiness."- Blaise Pascal
I am curious to know what others think about this quote. Do you agree with this quote? If so, why? Do you disagree? If so, why?

In one way, I could certainly say yes....I think as humans we certainly strive for happiness. I mean look at how much we expect of ourselves and society. We are often looking for the next best thing that will make us happy. I also think often, we may come up short.....and that could be some of the reason for depression (certainly NOT the only reason as I definitely believe there is a chemical aspect to depression and many other life circumstances/reasons). But perhaps some turn to help or become depressed because they are not able to find that "true" happiness in life. And what about those times in true desperation....whether that be suicide or even crime......is that because we have been searching so hard for happiness and have fallen short, and just sorta give-up (again, not staying that is the only reason)?

But I also look at how others find happiness in helping and doing for others. This is what brings them happiness. Others are such optimists and always look at the happy side of life....and all of the positive they have in their lives. I wish I could do this at all times.....but I certainly fall short. However, I certainly think it is great when one is able to find what makes them happy and content. So many of us do have so much to be thankful for, even in the midst of difficulty.

So.....that leads me to wonder, is it selfish to be searching for happiness? As humans, is it okay to be searching for happiness within ones life.....or should we be focused on making others happy (and that can be in a variety of ways)???

Regardless, I think personally, that I search for happiness in life. Why not? Our lives are so short. I think as long as you are on the path to find happiness, and you include others in that path by having a positive impact on their lives....then why not be trying to attain happiness? :-) I think that it is just important to not lose sight on the end....and know that there will be difficulties and that life cannot always be happy at all times. However, if we can focus on what we have been blessed with, and be sure to make it our goal to bless others lives.....then it is okay to keep working towards happiness.

Life is truly about others.....reach out to others....how can you have a positive impact on someone and help bring about happiness in their lives!!!???