Greetings Isaac!
I jumped for joy when I heard your businesses are flourishing and how much you have outdone yourself in the manufacturing industry. However, my celebration was cut short when you messaged me, revealing the heaviness in your mind and the emptiness in your heart.
Your newfound financial success has afforded you the luxury of seeing new lands, oceans, and many interesting places. You have even tasted the 24-karat gold-plated tomahawk steak in Dubai. It seems that all these changes of scenery and cuisines, though pleasurable to your eyes and palate, could not satisfy your quest for true happiness or joy.
My dear friend, we must ask ourselves a fundamental question: Should our happiness be derived from sensory pleasures, or should it be based on things deduced from logic? By logic, I mean the application of wisdom in choosing what truly makes us happy. Just as we deliberately apply wisdom in choosing what to eat to reach our health goals, we should equally be thoughtful in choosing what brings us true happiness and not leave it to the insatiable whims of our senses.
You may ask: "How does one choose these sources of true happiness?" To answer that, let us first logically agree on some key attributes that we would like true happiness or joy to possess.
True happiness must offer eternal mental quietude. This joy must be harmless to yourself and everyone involved. It must solely reside within your control and not be dependent on anyone or anything external, so that you can experience it anytime and never be deprived of it. Lastly, it must bring contentment of the soul and mind.
You have chased this true happiness by obtaining wealth, fame, and superficial honors at the cost of mental distress, and disappointments. Others have searched for it by feasting and partying, which were followed by days of sickness and regrets. Another man also seeks it in the admiration shown to him by friends, lovers, social media followers and family; therefore, he is deprived of this joy when these people, human as they are, disappoint him. Some travelers also seek it by seeing new lands, only to realize that they still carry their sorrows with them to the destination.
I am not saying you should not enjoy these pursuits. But as you enjoy them, see them for what they truly are—fleeting pleasures! Not only are they fleeting, but they are also not always available to us, since they are dependent on other people and factors.
Isaac, true happiness lies in focusing only on actions within your control and embodying virtues, especially during challenging situations. You might be wondering, "What are virtues?" You can usually find them in the religious or life principles you live by. Just make sure they meet the attributes I mentioned earlier. Derive your true happiness from attempting to execute these virtues every day. Did I say "attempt"? Yes, because that's the only part that is within your control, so do not worry about the outcome of your attempts. Do this, and you will find joy rivaling that of angels.
If you still want to know my virtues, I will tell you. They are magnanimity, justice, moderation, courage, and, last but not least, a love of wisdom/logic. That is why I attempt to be kind to every person I encounter, irrespective of how they respond to my kindness. The joy derived from these kind acts is especially sweeter when the recipients have given me every reason not to be kind to them.
On a journey, when you consistently realize that more distance remains after reaching a destination entered in your GPS, it is time to reassess both the journey and the navigation.
Cheers to everlasting joy….