Sunday, April 24, 2011

To do or not to do...

Which are we more likely to regret: something we did do or something we didn't do?

Are we more likely to regret that drunken late night phone call, or not telling a certain someone how we really felt about them before they left?

Working at a job that we don't enjoy, even though it pays well, or not following our dreams and passions, even if it's hard to etch out a decent living from them?

Choosing to leave in order to chase our dreams, or choosing to stay for the sake of loved ones?

We all do things that we regret, and we all regret not doing things as well. But which of the two are we going to wish we had a second chance at: of righting wrongs and undoing past mistakes, or seizing opportunities that are probably never going to reappear in our lifetime ever again?

I'd say, if it makes you happy, go for it and don't look back. :)

Friday, April 15, 2011

The Pursuit of Happiness

I know what you're thinking: it's missing Life and Liberty, as the phrase goes in the US Declaration of Independence.

But...happiness. What is it, really?

Is it having everything we need and want in life? Be that fame, fortune and/or maybe even someone else by our side?

Is it being able to wake up every morning with a smile on your face, without a worry in the world? Or maybe even waking up next to a special someone?

But why do we strive to be happy?

Why do we do anything and everything in our power to be happy?

I guess, happiness comes from having meaning in our lives. Something to live and breathe for. Something to fight for and protect. Something that makes us want to get out of bed each morning, and that puts a smile on our faces as we fall asleep each night.

Happiness comes from knowing we're not simply on this Earth just because we happened to be born into it. That we're contributing and making a difference, no matter how small, and no matter to whom or what. That we mean at least something to someone and cannot leave the world without significantly impacting on their lives, be they friends, family or lovers.

But could we still be happy, without all of those things?