One Apple A Day #963 - a reason to be happy
One must have a reason to be happy. Once the reason is found, however, one becomes happy automatically.
Viktor Frankl
Happiness is a byproduct. It ensues when we find meaning in what we do. Yet, too often, we focus only on the outcome getting fleeting results. We do it with ourselves and with others.
Many years ago, at the peak of the Internet bubble, we used to have a Head of Happiness (or something like that) in our company. His role was to make everyone happy. So, we had plenty of entertaining stuff all around the office and many fun events. To be honest, at that time, I thought it was working. Despite the stress, the tensions and the unhealthy working hours, I was happy.
But looking back, I now realise that I wasn't happy because of the fun stuff and activities. I was happy because what I was doing was meaningful to me. My work meant something, and even the insane amount of work was making me happy.
When I couldn't find meaning anymore, happiness was gone. The fun stuff was still there, but it was useless.
A human being is not one in pursuit of happiness but rather in search of a reason to become happy.
Viktor Frankl
Instead of trying to make people happy, we should help them find a reason to be happy. And because meaning is subjective, you can't give them a reason; they need to find their own.