By Beatrice Sithole Email: sbeatrice033@gmail.com
ONE very rich old man, who had never known poverty and who owned a vast piece of land and many businesses was lying on his death bed.
A journalist came to do a final interview on him.
After being asked many questions relating to how he had lived his life and various issues, the journalist asked him what he believed to be the concept of a good life and true happiness.
The old man paused for a while, then he asked for a glass of cold water.
He looked directly into the eyes of the journalist and answered; “It is quite possible for you, while you are behind the steel bars, to look out upon the horizon and to smell roses.
“It is also plausible for you to be in a castle replete with opulence and comfort, and yet be angry and discontented with your family, wealth and life.
“Therefore happiness and a good life are not confined by time, place or things – true happiness and a good life – these are found in the heart of a person.”
How so true the old man’s observation is – you see, happiness is not found in things, places or other people.
True happiness is found within a person’s heart.
You do not need material things or other people to be truly content – yes we all need things and maybe other people to help us live a good life.
But these can only help make our lives better, however, things and other people can never bring us fulfillment and true joy in life.
For one to have true happiness and joy in life – that has to come from within.
In fact we all need to make a conscious decision to be happy and to live fulfilled lives.
Just as you need to make sure that you eat well and exercise to keep your body and mind healthy – you also need to work on those things that make you enjoy life.
You know what makes you laugh, what makes you happy.
Search for those things that make you enjoy life and keep company with people who encourage you to be happy.
Occupy yourself with things that you enjoy doing.
During difficult times – which we all go through every so often – do not let your mind dwell on the hardships or challenges that you might be going through as that does not help at all, instead, think of positive things.
You can visualise a financial or medical breakthrough that can assist you in working towards getting it.
Or you can learn to live with your problem at the same time finding other ways and means of finding true happiness.
Always remember that a good life and true happiness are not confined by things or other people.
A good life and true happiness are only found within your heart.