The Key to Happiness

Are you happy? On the surface, particularly in social situations, the answer should be yes. Recently, I began a new job and was feeling crushed by an intense graduate school program (night classes), family issues and the truth be told, I wasn't anywhere near happiness because of all the baggage I had to carry. As though they could sense my inner turmoil, this question seemed to be the only thing my friends and family would ever ask me, maybe as an attempt to inject the desire to evaluate and do a course correction to increase my happiness level.

Last week I visited my 92-year-old aunt. She has been blessed with a quick-wit and great charisma. With her, I've shared many wonderful memories, however it has been challenging to watch her grow old. She struggles to hear and finding words is now very difficult for her. Recent visits I've made out of duty, to brighten her day with my presence. However, with this self-righteous attitude, I often dreaded the visits, having to shout to be heard, loosing patience when I had to repeat myself, and straining to understand what she was trying to say when she couldn't find the words. The point? My bad attitude added to my unhappiness.

Now for the redeeming part of my story. My visit last week was different because I arrived with a much different attitude. For the first time in a while, I felt blessed to be in my aunt's presence and excited to be there. Our conversation was much more fulfilling because I wanted to be there with her, to learn from her, to understand her, and to appreciate her for who she is. This simple realization (that my attitude determines my happiness level) has made all the difference in being happy. That is the key.