"Happiness is not a goal it is a by-product"

Happiness often sneaks up on you when you're not actively chasing it. Instead of being a destination, it's more like an unexpected gift you get when you're focused on other things. This idea helps to shift the way you think about happiness. You don't have to hunt it down. It comes naturally when you're engaged in meaningful activities or relationships.

The notion that happiness isn't something you can pursue directly has been around for quite a while. Think about the post-World War II era in the United States. Many people were striving for the American Dream—getting a good job, buying a house, starting a family. For a lot of them, happiness wasn't the end goal; stability and security were. But along the way, as they built their lives, many found happiness almost as a pleasant surprise.

Let's take a real-life example. Imagine a teacher who's passionate about shaping young minds. She dives into her work, planning exciting lessons and staying after school to help students who are struggling. Her goal isn't to be happy; it's to make a difference. But in doing so, she often finds herself smiling, feeling fulfilled, and thriving emotionally. Her happiness is a by-product of her dedication and commitment to something bigger than herself.

So, how can you use this wisdom in your own life? First, focus on what truly matters to you. Whether it's a hobby, a cause, or your family, invest your time and energy into it. When you're deeply engaged in something meaningful, happiness naturally follows. Don't worry so much about whether what you're doing will make you happy. If it's important to you, the happiness will come.

Now, picture this: you're at a dinner party with some friends. One of them, let's call her Jane, has been volunteering at a local animal shelter for years. She talks about the challenges—cleaning up after the animals, dealing with heartbreak when they don't get adopted—but also the immense joy she feels when a pet finds a new home. Jane didn't start volunteering to be happy. She did it because she loves animals and wants to help. But in the end, happiness found her.

So next time you're feeling down or aimlessly searching for happiness, stop and think about what you love doing. Is it painting, gardening, helping others? Dive into that. Forget about happiness as a target. Let it be the pleasant by-product of living a life full of purpose and passion. Because when you're truly engaged in what you're doing, you'll find that happiness is right there with you, like an old friend who’s been waiting for you to notice them all along.