Wealth or Happiness? A simple thought for today

bykevin928

492 followers

5 years ago

It’s been some time since I wrote a blog on here and I actually feel a bit guilty about that. There are so many excellent inspiring posts written daily and I am thankful that members here take the time to contribute.

We all have our own lives, many of us busy rushing around trying to survive this manic world in which we live. We ride the ups and downs that life brings us and we see friends, family and colleagues do the same

We see great diversity around us. Even here at WA with people from all over the world, some posting about great success and others about struggling to put food on the table. Many of us have experienced personal loss at some time in our life as well as the euphoric feeling of being with a loved one or the birth of a child.

But how many of us get or take the time to actually ask are we happy. Many strive for wealth but should it not be happiness we strive for. After all wealth is just a material thing (and I guess is subjective). But happiness, well happiness is a feeling, a state of mind, a way of being.

If we understand how then surly we can maintain a state of mind for our whole lives. But maintaining wealth can be far more arduous. Of course, in today’s world we all need money to survive and this post isn’t to belittle what can be a struggle for many. Simply to say that once in a while maybe we need to step back and ask what actually makes us happy. After all, if you have happiness, then you are already wealthy.

I took the picture above this morning at 8.00 while out walking my dogs, it’s a simple example of what makes me happy. So, what makes you happy? Whatever it is strive to do it more often.

I want to share a poem that I first heard back in the 1980’s. It had been adapted and used in a song (I think it was called look to the light by Mother Earth) It has always stuck with me and years later I found the original poem. Some of you may know it, others maybe not. See what you think. And don’t forget strive to be happy because it really is a beautiful world.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.