The Pursuit of Happiness: Dream or Reality?

I saw the movie Happy this weekend. It’s a documentary on the sources of happiness and what it means to different people around the world… how certain cultures embrace that pursuit, and how others struggle to understand what happiness really means… why society and businesses need to support individuals’ pursuit of happiness… how if they did, we would all flourish.

The premise of the movie is that real happiness is derived from continual personal growth, deep relationships with people and opportunities to do social good.

I’m set to experience all three when I embark upon my around-the-world trip in the next few years. I won’t be vacationing… I’ll be traveling the world, exploring and living like a native in each new treasured location. And let me differentiate between ‘travel’ and ‘vacation.’ Vacation is when you book the resort with the family and head off to your pre-determined destination, hitting all the hot tourist spots. Travel, in my opinion, is when you set off with a backpack full of minimal belongings, a travel guide and an open mind. So that’s the plan – I’m counting down and saving up… sacrificing my morning coffees and weekend trips to Vegas to save for a bigger, more fulfilling adventure. That’s the dream anyway.

How are you making your dream a reality?

We set off with intention, but without a plan.

Unknowing destination, we went forth hand in hand.

In each new place we learned what natives eat and play and love.

We sought to understand their driving forces from above.

We touched their earth and sang their songs.

We didn’t leave til we belonged.

The moments spent in silent observation

paved the path of appreciation.

Friendship was earned and families were broken.

But only physically, for the spirit was spoken.

No, it was written, as far back as time.

Universally connected, we drank the same wine.

We breathed the same air, we longed for same desires.

We made the same mess, and put out the same fires.

We faced different challenges in a literal sense.

Though figuratively, we danced the same dance.

Of struggle, of choice, of risk, of fear.

Of laughter, of love, of intimacy, of cheer.

Our lives were changed and we changed lives.

Now we only see the world through sunset eyes.