Happiness is found in the simplest of things

People needn't search far and wide to find happiness, for it is found in the simplest of things.

Unfortunately, many people equate happiness with money and material possessions. While such "stuff" can give us a boost, it is only temporary.

When it's time for us to pass on, will we be thinking about all the money we've spent or have saved in our bank account?

No. Our thoughts will center on the legacy we'll be leaving behind, on the wonderful moments spent with loved ones, on the little things that made this life well worth living.

Happiness can be found:

in love
in friendship
in a smile
in a laugh
in having good health
in reading
in knowledge and learning
in music
in gratitude
in a good meal or cup of coffee
in a kept promise
in an achieved goal
in a fond memory
in nature
in silence
in the comfort of one's room

If people actually stopped to appreciate all the wonderful things that greatly enrich their lives, they would be far happier.

Sadly, many of us get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life that we take life's simple treasures for granted. We worry about matters we likely won't remember a year from now.

That isn't to say we should not continually aim to achieve new goals and build a better future for ourselves.

However, it's important not to lose sight of where we've been and what we already have.

It's easy to assume that the grass is greener on the other side, but there's no certainty of that.

Even if things don't work out -- whether we enter into a new relationship or pursue a new job -- always being mindful of our blessings helps keep things in perspective. It reminds us how "things could be worse."

Life isn't always fair. We won't always get what we want. People won't always meet our expectations.

Even so, we all have something -- or someone -- we can be thankful for, a reason to get out of bed every morning.

So the next time you find yourself thinking long and hard for an infusion of joy, it may be as easy as putting on a big smile, listening to your favorite song, immersing yourself in a great book, or spending time with your grandkids.

Indeed, happiness is not as fleeting as we make it out to be. We need only look in the right places.

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