I see a lot of unhappy people in my practice. See if this story sounds familiar: the self-centered pursuit of shiny things and prestige eventually leaves you feeling empty and asking "is this all there is to life?" Though merchants of materialism would have you believe otherwise, big houses, fast cars, exotic vacations, fancy job titles, and sculpted body parts don't add up to the long-term inner happiness that you yearn for. Regretfully, this epiphany often comes late in life as you are recovering from your mid-life crisis. Fortunately, there is a tried and true alternate path to happiness and the sooner you follow this path the better: figure out your purpose in life and pursue it. Go crazy. Pick something virtuous that will stand up against the test of time such as serving others and creating a benevolent society where you want for other people’s children what you want for your own. Commit to eradicating tuberculosis, spreading literacy, creating a strong public education system, or housing the homeless. The happiest people I know are those who have found such meaningful work and have the strength to do it. These are people on a mission. Happiness is something they are. What would have to happen before you could claim this type of happiness?
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