As Willaim Blake once said "The essentials to happiness are something to love, something to do, and something to hope for." All of us, in our lives, are on a never-ending journey to find happiness, and along this journey we immerse ourselves among different people and different situations to acheive this. Everyone has his or her own definition of happiness. For some, it may be a major event, like a great new job, or a flawless marriage. For others, it may be a appetizing breakfast, a bouquet of flowers, or a refreshing nap. Whatever ones preference, there are several contributing factors: One, being the lifespan of this new found happiness. Would you rather be married, or attend a wedding?



Short term happiness can be acheived through many different endevours. While savoring the sweet taste of your homemade wine, you are engulfed in pleasure, until, your glass is empty and while drifting through a dreamless sleep, you are quite content, until awakened. These simple pleasures are ones that are short lived. There is no limit to the happiness that these activities can provide, except in terms of time span. There is always the oppertunity to involve yourself in such activities, yet it is your choice whether you would prefer to indulge in something longer lasting. While some may say "Happiness is short lived", we can always argue otherwise.



We often tend to forget that happiness isnt always acheived as a result of acquiring something new, but rather recognizing and learning to appreciate what we do have. Such as the long term happiness that we can find amungst family and friends. Celebrating friendship is a passtime that most would agree is quite joyous. All friends may come and go, but as some pass, others soon fall into their place. As for family, they are always there, to offer support and guidance. Though we may take them for granted, they play an integral part in our quest for happiness. They spurred our first laugh, and conjured our first smile. Yet unfortunatly, what goes up must come down, and all that lives, must sadly die. While these people have surrounded us in happiness, when faced with the absence of their presense, we are often alone. Unless that is, we have found the key to eternal happiness, which is the key to ones self.



Eternal happiness is not a wish that is granted nor a gift that is given; it is prize in which to work for, and a dream to aspire to. Our true happiness depends upon ourselves. You may choose to do as the Buddhist monks do, and spend their life studying meditation to some day reach Nirvana, which is the enlightenment of ones self. Or you can follow your own path to self realisation, by being the divine being you are capable of. If you do not accept yourself, then you cannot growto accept others, and therfore will live a very unfullfilling, desolate, life. By loving and respecting your inner being, you grow compassion and patience

for others, and in turn are made a better person. All are steps on the ladder climbing to eternal happiness.



With happiness time is irrelevant, be it everlasting, or short lived, pleasure is still pleasure; yet whichever form of happiness you choose, be sure the outcome is one you approve of. If a cup of tea, is your cup of tea, then let that be your pleasure center. In the words of Anne Frank, "We all live for the same objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same".

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