Hammy likes to take slow walks around the estates because at night, when the spirit is soothed by the closure of the day, many thoughts that have percolated slowly make their way to our consciousness, including things which we already knew but have forgotten. During one of those strolls last week, Hammy heard a small squeak from within my psyche. "When was the last time you remembered to be happy?" Yes, remember. So often in life, we are somehow led to believe that happiness is extrinsic. Advertisements try to make us believe that all the time- 'Buy X, and you will have more time for the things that matter in your life.' 'Try Y, and your problems will be solved!'
In truth, products X and Y are unlikely to bring any real joy and the short-term thrill that comes with them will be expended before long. To be truly joyful, and I am not talking about the fleeting short-termed thrill that comes with shopping, one must make a conscious decision to be happy. This kind of happiness does not depend on someone else or something to be obtained before one can be happy; it comes purely from the inside. One must set parameters for what makes one content, and decide to be thankful for our blessings daily.
