Way#27 Happiness
Way#27 Happiness
This is good.
A young man once came to see me in Jerusalem. He had an unusually happy disposition, so I asked him what’s his secret. He told me:
“When I was 11 years old, I received a gift of happiness from God.
“I was riding my bicycle when a strong gust of wind blew me onto the ground, into the path of an oncoming truck. The truck ran over me and cut off my leg.
“As I lay there bleeding, I realized that I might have to live the rest of my life without a leg. How depressing! But then I realized that being depressed won’t get my leg back. So I decided right then and there not to waste my life despairing.
“When my parents arrived at the hospital they were shocked and grieving. So I told them: ‘I’ve already adapted. Now you also have to get used to this.’
“Ever since then, I see my friends getting upset over little things: their bus came late, they got a bad grade on a test, somebody insulted them. But I just enjoy life.”
At age 11, this young man attained the clarity that it is a waste of energy to focus on what you’re missing, and that the key to happiness is to take pleasure in what you have.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
Way #27 is sameach bi’chelko - literally “satisfaction with one’s portion.” Happiness is achievable. So why are so many people unhappy? We lack the right tools.
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