- Friedrich~Nietzsche
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable
Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
-- The Declaration of Independence
***
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. 56 delegates from the 13 colonies boldly declared that the United Colonies had the right to be free and independent of British rule.
There it is! Right there in the Declaration of Independence: the right to pursue happiness. If we have an unalienable right to pursue happiness, why is it that we see so many unhappy people? People are unhappy because they don’t exercise their right. Far too many people rely on people and events/circumstances to make them happy. The delegates at the Continental Congress knew that under British rule, their colonies would never be free to grow and prosper. They knew they would never be able exercise a right to pursue happiness being governed by the British. You, like the colonists, will not be able to pursue happiness if you’re being controlled; controlled by people, events/circumstance, and/or habits.
If you allow other people to control you, you’ll never experience happiness. Why? In order to pursue happiness you have to be free from control. When you rely on others to make you happy, you’re giving up control. Since you have no control over the thoughts, feelings, and behavior of others, you’re happiness is at the whim of another. You’re giving up your inalienable right to pursue happiness because you’re happiness is contingent upon something you have no control over. Never give up your right to pursue happiness by relying on someone else to make you happy. Happiness is a state of mind; your mind, not someone else’s.
Never allow events/circumstances to control your happiness; especially in situations where you have no control over the outcome. In the pursuit of happiness one needs to understand that it’s not what happens to you that counts; it’s how you respond to what happens that counts. Happy people look for the good in every event/circumstance, no matter how bleak the event/circumstance may appear to be. In every negative event, there’s a positive lesson(s); one just needs to be patient and search for the lesson(s). Often times, a negative event is the catalyst for opportunity and personal growth.
We see people imprisoned with self-destructing habits; habits that paralyze one's pursuit of happiness. Generally, these habits are immediate, self-gratifying behaviors that produce little or no personal or social benefit. In some cases, a habit can become so engrained that the habit becomes the focus of control in a person’s life. The habit, not the person, is in control. You can’t enjoy happiness when you’ve given up your control. If you have a self-destructive habit, quit it now! If you need professional help, seek it. A habit is learned behavior. Since a habit is learned, it can be unlearned.
On July 4th when America celebrates her Independence from British Rule, remember our inalienable rights: Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. The colonist made a bold move in adopting the Declaration of Independence. They were willing to put their lives on the line for freedom sake and a better way of life.
Today is the day to envision a better, happier way of life. I encourage you to adopt your own declaration of independence. Make a bold proclamation that you will pursue your own happiness; happiness free from the governance of other people, events/circumstances and habits. Just as our forefathers declared there freedom; now is the time to declare yours.
Let Freedom Ring!-- The Declaration of Independence
***
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. 56 delegates from the 13 colonies boldly declared that the United Colonies had the right to be free and independent of British rule.
There it is! Right there in the Declaration of Independence: the right to pursue happiness. If we have an unalienable right to pursue happiness, why is it that we see so many unhappy people? People are unhappy because they don’t exercise their right. Far too many people rely on people and events/circumstances to make them happy. The delegates at the Continental Congress knew that under British rule, their colonies would never be free to grow and prosper. They knew they would never be able exercise a right to pursue happiness being governed by the British. You, like the colonists, will not be able to pursue happiness if you’re being controlled; controlled by people, events/circumstance, and/or habits.
If you allow other people to control you, you’ll never experience happiness. Why? In order to pursue happiness you have to be free from control. When you rely on others to make you happy, you’re giving up control. Since you have no control over the thoughts, feelings, and behavior of others, you’re happiness is at the whim of another. You’re giving up your inalienable right to pursue happiness because you’re happiness is contingent upon something you have no control over. Never give up your right to pursue happiness by relying on someone else to make you happy. Happiness is a state of mind; your mind, not someone else’s.
Never allow events/circumstances to control your happiness; especially in situations where you have no control over the outcome. In the pursuit of happiness one needs to understand that it’s not what happens to you that counts; it’s how you respond to what happens that counts. Happy people look for the good in every event/circumstance, no matter how bleak the event/circumstance may appear to be. In every negative event, there’s a positive lesson(s); one just needs to be patient and search for the lesson(s). Often times, a negative event is the catalyst for opportunity and personal growth.
We see people imprisoned with self-destructing habits; habits that paralyze one's pursuit of happiness. Generally, these habits are immediate, self-gratifying behaviors that produce little or no personal or social benefit. In some cases, a habit can become so engrained that the habit becomes the focus of control in a person’s life. The habit, not the person, is in control. You can’t enjoy happiness when you’ve given up your control. If you have a self-destructive habit, quit it now! If you need professional help, seek it. A habit is learned behavior. Since a habit is learned, it can be unlearned.
On July 4th when America celebrates her Independence from British Rule, remember our inalienable rights: Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. The colonist made a bold move in adopting the Declaration of Independence. They were willing to put their lives on the line for freedom sake and a better way of life.
Today is the day to envision a better, happier way of life. I encourage you to adopt your own declaration of independence. Make a bold proclamation that you will pursue your own happiness; happiness free from the governance of other people, events/circumstances and habits. Just as our forefathers declared there freedom; now is the time to declare yours.
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
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