I would like to take a pause from the annual report segments and talk a bit about wellness once again. I just returned from a quick getaway with my dear wife, and I try to use these adventures to not only dedicate my absolute attention to this amazing lady, but at the same time refresh and adjust my perspective. In my daily routine, I have limited time for reading, but I did my best to catch up on the flights there and back this year.

One of the books I was able to read over my free time, was “Resisting Happiness” which is written by Matthew Kelly. The title is a bit of a twist in the actual context, as it is not how we should resist happiness, but rather how we should find happiness even when our own natural tendencies pull us in other emotional directions. If we think about the various habits we may have, these are behaviors that are deeply engrained in our minds, and to change them takes deliberate and concerted effort. In that same way, we can get into habits of behavior and thinking that actually prevent us from experiencing true happiness.

When the author refers to finding happiness, he is not referring to merely being happy in those times of satisfaction or comfort, but being able to find happiness regardless of the environment or conditions in which we find ourselves. Yes, even in times of pain or struggle, there is a place for happiness. It may not be jubilant in the form of joyous expression, but rather a sense of peace and contentment.

There is a great analogy that is used in the book which poses the question; “Are you a Tourist or a Pilgrim?” The author goes on to describe the behavior of a typical tourist as they search for things to purchase or comforts to be enjoyed, annoyed by any delay or diversion from their planned itinerary, oblivious to the real treasures that surround them. In contrast, the Pilgrim approaches their travels in search of connection to people, and aware of the moments in which they find themselves. They are able to smile at a rainy day, laugh at a delayed flight, and find peace in disrupted vacation plans.

This can be applied to how we live our lives as well, and our ability to find happiness. If we are focused on ourselves, our deadlines, our material possessions, or solely our needs; happiness will elude us. However, if we take the time to look at each person as a gift, each struggle as a challenge, and each day as a new beginning full of opportunities, happiness is a natural outcome.

Reading this book brought me back to a question that a friend once asked me. The question was; “Why are you always so happy?” I responded that I am in fact not always happy. I have times of anger, times of fear, times of sadness and times of regret. I visit those emotions from time to time, but I don’t set up camp there. I visit, but choose not to stay. I set up my camp in happiness. I pitch my tent in contentment, and enjoy my campfire of gratitude. We each choose our emotional state of being. Choose Happiness.