Finding Happiness

Published On: November 21st, 201313.4 min readBy 4 CommentsCategories: Aha Moment, Budapest, Happiness, Life, Life Purpose, Meaning of Life, Purpose

hamster

I personally think the most interesting place to watch people is the airport. There, you really see the insanity of it all.

Recently I sat in Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport waiting for my connecting flight to Zurich before heading to the center of the universe: New York City. I saw all kinds of interesting characters that day – the guy in cowboy boots and a suede jacket with fringes running up the arm (not exactly what you’d expect here in Hungary), the mom with two boys who looked way too young to have kids…

Isn’t it fun to sit back and watch as people live their lives? I always wonder if they’re happy.

There’s a quote by author John Hall that says, “Sometimes what you’re looking for is right under your nose and you don’t even know it.” Well, I’m putting that to the test.

Most people, more than anything, want to be happy. That’s it. But what does “I’m happy” really mean? That you have a spring your step? You’re constantly grinning from ear to ear? You own the biggest house on the block or drive the newest car? You have more time to spend with your kids or your family? What is this seemingly elusive notion of happiness?

I can tell you for sure it’s NOT tied to things – not for me, anyway. Unfortunately, many of us have bought into the notion that money buys happiness. I mean, let’s be honest. If we didn’t believe that, why would so many of us hop on the same hamster wheel every morning, without even questioning it?

Really stop and think about that.

Now, I know being on the hamster wheel has somewhat of a negative connotation. But the question is: are those hamsters happy? I like to think some are, depending on the wheel. So what particular wheel would make you so ecstatic that you’d want to spend all your time on it?

Where do you even look to answer to this question? If it’s not Disney movies, what you see on TV, or what your friends and family members tell you, then where? The funny thing is, where to look is the most important part of the happiness equation.

So here’s the thing: there’s no right or wrong answer and my telling you would just be more of the same. But like I said, I’m putting the saying, “Sometimes what you’re looking for is right under your nose,” to the test. Tell me: where do you look to find happiness? And have you found it?

author

About the Author:

Drew Gerber

For 30 years, Drew Gerber has been inspiring those who want to change the world. As the CEO of Wasabi Publicity, Inc., lauded by the likes of PR Week and Good Morning America, he sparks "aha" conversations that lead to personal and business success. His PR firm is known for landing clients on Dr. Phil, Oprah, Anderson Cooper, The Wall Street Journal, Inc., Entrepreneur, and other top media outlets. Wasabi Publicity lives to launch conversations that make a difference and change the world.

Comments

  1. Page November 21, 2013 at 1:44 pm - Reply

    I people watch in airports too and wonder about people’s lives. Know one thing, most people aren’t happy when going through the TSA ‘papers please’ routine!
    Welcome back to the center of the universe!

    • Drew Gerber November 21, 2013 at 2:01 pm - Reply

      That’s true, Page! Thanks again for reading 🙂

  2. Kate Kindle November 21, 2013 at 2:01 pm - Reply

    Happiness is usually the result of many things. I have the basics. If I often starved or was terribly ill without medical care, I’d have to make sainthood my goal in order to find happiness. That not being the case, happiness for me is being close to people I love, being surrounded by a positive environment free of nasty misbehavior, and self-fulfillment. Three weeks ago, I had two ebooks stay at Number 5 or thereabouts on Amazon.com for a week. Yes, they were free, but so were alot of others. A week or so later, I enjoyed a very nice day spent with my husband; however, I realized that my level of peace at the end of the day was more than I can ever remember. That I attribute to having a very great success! There ain’t nothin’ like it!

    • Drew Gerber November 21, 2013 at 3:03 pm - Reply

      Amazing, Kate. Congrats on your two eBooks! You’re so right; happiness is a result of many things, and positivity and self-fulfillment are key.

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About Drew

For 30 years, Drew Gerber has been inspiring those who want to change the world. As the CEO of Wasabi Publicity, lauded by the likes of PR Week and Good Morning America, he sparks “aha” conversations that lead to personal and business success. His PR firm is known for landing clients on Dr. Phil, Oprah, The Wall Street Journal, Inc., Entrepreneur, and other top media outlets. Wasabi Publicity lives to launch conversations that make a difference and change the world.

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