Happiness: The Long Lost Fountain of Youth and the Elixir of Life

Whether literally or metaphorically, in legendary tales or even through the modern advances of science and technology, people time immemorial have been in search of the Fountain of Youth and the Elixir of Life, some extraordinary substance to sip or swallow that will sustain absolutely our energy, vitality, and life.

But while we know that “taking the waters” indeed flushes our system, regulates our body temperature, protects our organs and arteries, and helps with our metabolism, to date, no spring has sprung that ultimately prevents the body, and even the mind, from eventually withering, and in the end from ceasing to function as is it had.

Perhaps the long lost Fountain of Youth and the Elixir of Life lies not in some alchemical substance for the body, but rather in an essential substance for the spirit: happiness.

Like eternal youth and eternal life, we all long for eternal happiness. But too often we assume that the way to be happy is to merely “think” it into being (“If I think happy thoughts and don’t think unhappy thoughts, then I’ll be happy”; it’s as easy as that, right?) or command it to manifest in our life (“I will be happy if it kills me!”). Sure, optimism and determination are better than the alternatives: pessimism and apathy. But as I said in my book Stirred Not Shaken, happiness is discovered, not demanded; moreover it results when our attitude, aptitudes, and actions are in line with our choices, creations, and contributions.

• Happy are those who are honest, for they live with intention.
• Happy are those who stay focused on what is right and real, for they have discernment.
• Happy are those who take responsibility for their attitude and actions, and follow their own moral compass, for they live with dignity.
• Happy are those who persevere, for they will always sustain and flourish.
• Happy are those who confront uncertain situations with confidence and poise, for they have courage.
• Happy are those who keep their hearts open and their egos in check, for they have humility.
• Happy are those who endure through moderation and perspective, for they have patience.
• Happy are those who are empathetic—who remain connected to others and the world around them, for they will always retain their humanity.
• Happy are those who see that “right,” not revenge, is done, for they are just.
• Happy are those who reach out and let others in, for they know love.
• Happy are those who are in command of themselves: body, mind, and spirit, for they live with integrity.
• Happy are those who are interested and invest in creating and contributing, for they are stewards of the world.
• Happy are those who relinquish the need for control and embrace the unknown, for they are free.
• Happy are those who will the good, for they touch the sublime and experience eternity.

We may not have a panacea for disease and degeneration, but we do have a cure-all for dispiritedness and despair: happiness. And while we may not be able to live forever as we are now, we can live as happily and as completely as we can, full of life and rich in spirit. For more information on what it takes to be happy, healthy, and whole, click here and get Stirred.