We are hopeless creatures of comfort. We like having and accumulating things. Whether one admits to it or not, to a certain degree, we all try to keep up with 'the Jones.' We work so we can pay our rents, mortgages, credit card debts, school loans, car payments...the list goes on and on. And at some point, we realize, that aside from having most of what we want, we still aren't happy. Now since we've learned to adapt to new standards which we've created for ourselves, we find that we have less time, less patience, less sleep, which equates to more stress, more worry and more aggrivation. So, is happiness honestly just comprised of 'things?'

Sometimes, we virtually trade our lives for not only basic necessities, but for excessive items and services as well. We become so obcessed with finding happiness, that we lose sight of the fact that happiness is within - always. Certainly you've heard of individuals trying to 'find themselves,' or 'rediscover themselves...' The reason they are attempting these innovative approaches is because they are seeking inner happiness. But the point has been missed: Happiness is already there.

Disappointments and tragedies in life will come and go, but happiness never leaves you. The human's capacity to be resilient to trials is unfathomable. We can lose our jobs, but be grateful for our spouses. We can lose our homes to nature, but be thankful to be alive.

Spiritually speaking, there's a saying that 'God only gives what one can take.' Whether it be God, Allah, Budah, or Jesus Christ - the basic precept remains the same: Survival. <U>We survive, we overcome, we live.</U> And happiness is a big part of how we live. You'll hear gamblers spending their last change, all the while praying to God, '....please, God - just this one last time....if I win, I'll never ask you for another thing.' And sometimes, we, ourselves have been in situations where we've asked for things, like, '....God, if you let me have this job, I won't bother you again..." and we know that this is further from the truth. We ritualistically begin bartering with the Higher Power, or we utter constant complaints of unhappiness and despair, because we can't have our ways.

Again you see that happiness is a perception of each individual. We are instinctively compelled to find fault in our lives. By human nature, we begin our 'fault-finding' mission the moment we're capable of free-thinking. It is then, that we lose sense of self-worth and the bigger picture of vitality altogether. Stuck in the patterns of the happiness paradox, we simply cannot find where our happiness has gone.

It's not a matter of bargaining, it's not an issue of money or fame - instead, happiness is what <U>you</U> resolve to accept. If we live through optimistic hope; if we dare to dream; if we empower ourselves to fully live; then we have regained our sense of happiness. There is no in between. There is no other replacement. We only have one physical life to live - we have no choice but to make the most of it. We might as well live happy.

©2005 - The Pardox of Happiness
by C. Bailey-Lloyd
aka. Lady Camelot
Public Relations Director &
Staff Writer

See this and other articles like this one at www.HolisticJunction.com

C. Bailey-Lloyd
aka. Lady Camelot
Public Relations Director &
Staff Writer
www.HolisticJunction.com
www.MediaPositiveRadio.com

Join Us

Fall Meeting October 30 -31 & Novermber 1 - 2 , 2010

We welcome anybody that wants to start a Withdraw Center or wants to join the Oregon Coastal Center. There are no dues, fees or costs.

We will be holding two identical Sessions this fall. One session on the weekend and one during the week. Both Sessions will be about our experiences with our Peaceful Preparer Center, our plans, our dreams, our fears, and brainstorming.

There is no charge for either Session if you provide your own lodging. If you want to stay at the meeting resort, the following is the pricing for Eagle Crest lodging.

We ARE NOT “back to landers.” We do not want the hardships of homestead. Instead, we like our comforts and are willing to prepare for them to continue. That is why we have picked the Eagle Crest Resort for our First Annual Fall Meeting. The Eagle Crest Resort has all the comforts you want in a resort. Just check the features of Eagle Crest Resort

If two people want to share a bedroom, then both can attend the Sessions with no additional fees. The bedrooms vary with king size beds, queen size beds and twin beds.

The early bird gets their choice.

Session # I - October 30 - 31, 2010 2 nights ($100/night*) - Starts on Friday night October 30 at 7 pm and last until 11 am on Sunday November 1, 2010.

Session #2 - November 1 - 2, 2010 - 2 nights ($100/night*) - This part starts on Sunday night and 7 pm and last until Wednesday at 11 am.

*Lodging Scholarships are available. The above fees include lodging at the Eagle Crest at Redmond, Oregon (11 miles from Bend, Oregon)