Putting Happiness Into Perspective
The other day, as I was walking from my car to my place of employment, I crossed paths with a gentleman that was severely physically handicapped (I put an emphasis on physically because I think, for the story I’m about to tell, its important to point out that this gentleman was not mentally handicapped).
In passing, I gave a quick glance and I saw a huge smile on this man’s face. I did a double take and when I did, the man spoke to me. He said “good morning”. This seem somewhat trivial, but this changed my perspective on life and especially on being happy.
We all have problems, that at times, make it hard to be happy. But when this severely handicapped gentleman smiled and said good morning, I could feel his attitude, his happiness. How could this man be happy when he barely has the use of his legs? Why can’t I achieve true happiness when I am alive, capable and have the world at my finger tips?
These thoughts stopped me in my tracks. My entire life, all my choices and decisions leading up to this point, played like a movie in my head. It also made me put happiness into perspective. I have no reason to be unhappy. I have all the ability in the world to be happy. I am the person who molds me.
At that moment, I realized that every bit of the person that I want to be is within me. I can be that person and I can realize happiness.
Every morning I look for that handicapped man. I’d love to introduce myself and talk to him. He may never know that seeing him happy changed my life. I am grateful for that.
