“How To Be Happy In The New Year” The subtitle was something like: “Advice From The World of Science.”
I don’t need advice from science. I was just trying to find some early morning news and this article pops up. I thought to myself: another one of those “get enough sleep” or “eat a balanced diet” articles. Okay, I know all that. I think I read the same article last year. At my age and stage of life, wouldn’t you think that I might be able to figure out how to be happy without having to consult science? You’re right, I’m getting grumpy. Let me take a deep breath.
I was about to move on in my search for overnight news when my pinkie finger hit the wrong key and the happiness article opened up. You know what the first scientific principle is concerning happiness in the new year? “Value Friendships.” Wait a minute! That’s a scientific observation? Hmm, maybe I’ll read just the first paragraph. And guess what I found. Good stuff! Makes sense. Here’s a quick summary: as you get older, friendships matter more and more. Embrace friendships as treasures. Engage with people; get out of yourself. Volunteer. Now I’m thinking: I’ve got to share this with my friends online. But, I’ll add one element left out of the article, an element that can’t claim a scientific origin. This element originates in the heart, the soul and it applies to all human beings. I’m going to call it “Live The Longing.” Somewhere in each of us is a desire to connect with meaning, purpose, some sense of personal value. This is particularly true for those of us who are in the second half of life. Like it or not, life is a moment of mystery in time. I can fill it with whatever I choose and then one day it’s over. Yes, it’s important to “value friendships” and engage other people. But that’s the first step to “living the longing.” People are more important than places or property or pride of accomplishment. By all means, “value friendships” because those engagements are doorways to a greater awareness of who I am and why I am here. Genuine encounter with life is a way to have a genuine encounter with Life.
One more time: looking for happiness in 2025? Stop thinking of happiness as a giggle or a laugh, an experience of entertainment. Happiness, or joy, if you like, is the outcome of contentment, an awareness of who I am, what I am about, and why I’m here. Find a friend. Be a friend. And somewhere in that process of engaging people, caring about and for people, a light will come on and you will find what you’re looking for. Or, another way of putting it: you will be found by Sacred Contentment, the source of all you seek.
Okay, enough. I’m still looking for the overnight news.
Shining Spirit 
Words of wisdom my friend, thank you. And, I like your way of referencing our time in life as “being in the second half” as opposed to another preacher who always referred to us as “being in the fourth quarter.” Well, at least, that is better than “being in overtime.”