Some hunters went deep into a dark forest, and found a hut in which a hermit was praying before a wooden cross. His face shone with happiness.
"Good afternoon, brother."
"May God give us a good afternoon."
"You look very happy."
"I am always happy."
"You are happy, living in this lonely hut, doing penance? We have everything and are not happy. Where did you find happiness?"
"I have found it here in this cave. Look through that hole and you will catch a glimpse of my happiness," and he showed them a small window.
"You have deceived us, for all we can see is some branches of a tree."
"Take another look."
"All we see is some branches, and a little bit of sky."
"That," said the hermit, “is the reason for my happiness, just a little bit of heaven.”
Therefore happiness lies within us and it is within easy reach of our attitude.
There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The difference is attitude that is our way of thinking or behaviour. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.
It is not what we have or who we are or where we are or what we are doing makes us happy or unhappy. It is what we think about it. For example, two people may be in the same place, doing the same thing; both may have an equal amount of money and prestige - and yet one may be miserable and the other happy. Why? Because of different mental attitude.
William James says, "The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind."
I wish you all a Happy New Year