Happiness Is the Way

I recently stumbled upon the following quote from Alfred D. Souza – and I love it…

 “For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten though first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.  This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”

Do you ever feel this way?  Do you play the “I’ll be happy when _____” game?  I’ll be happy when I’m richer.  I’ll be happy when I’m thinner. I’ll be happy when I’m married. I’ll be happy when I’m promoted.  And on…and on…and on….  And believe me, I’m not pointing fingers – I’ve played this game too!  Heck – I’ve played it today!  I recently moved to a new apartment and my bedroom is in complete chaos.  I remember thinking this morning, “Geez – I’ll be so happy when this mess is cleaned up.”

And yes, it will be nice when the mess is cleaned up and I can easily walk in my room without hopping from one bare patch of floor to another.  But isn’t it also nice now?  Isn't it wonderful that I’m living in a cool place with lovely roommates in a part of town I really like? And aren’t l lucky to have a room full of things that are important to me?  This is the life that I’ve chosen, and if I spend my time wishing for something else, I’ll miss all the amazing things happening right now!