I once heard a saying that happiness is not based in what you have but it is rather based in the satisfaction of what you have. It is not getting what you want, but rather wanting of you have got. This saying cannot ring more true this time of the year.
The silly season, a time for binge eating, over indulging and swiping the credit card with such vigour and lust that it nearly explodes in the face of the happy vendor who only got half the customers he expected. The business world shuts down, companies are hosting year end parties and staff that normally drive sober have become one eyed monsters seeking a white line on the ever so windy road home. But rather than gain the "lost" pounds, drinking more than you can chew or spending money that we never had and due to this season never will have, lets rather use this time to reflect.
Lets reflect on what is truly great in our lives, lets reflect on what is real and what is fake. Lets evaluate the true sources of our happiness. Lets value the little things we have and the true friends that we have made.
Lets develop true satisfaction in who we are and what we are rather than the artificial dreams of who we want to be. Men face the fact that you are not going to have an infamous affair with Britney Spears or Jessica Biel. Ladies, Matthew and Brad.... they are not going to knock on the door next week. But is that the thing that would make you happy? Is that i-pad (that you can’t afford) going to really give you the monstrous satisfaction you desire and seek so badly? Is the short term satisfaction at least equal to the financial hangover in January and the stroke like feeling you get upon receipt of your credit card bill?
No I think not. Happiness comes firstly from within. When we tend to forget that, it is the little things around us that remind us. Our, not as handsome when married and slightly potbellied husband, giving us a kiss on Christmas morning. Our little child, who’s school fees are again in arrears, smiling at that big dinner on table, which is not as big as you wanted it, and the silly little R49-00 plastic swimming pool that he/she swam in today. It is your wife that wakes up with no make-up next to you and that feeling of utter joy when you realise, after a couple of seconds, it is her and not Hannibal Lector.
Let’s face reality, life and business is filled by pigs, con artists and little XYZ’s thriving on the hurt, discomfort and destruction of others. We lose a little faith, money and honour every day thanks to such cancerous oxygen thieving idiots. So, let’s not focus on the losses, it is part of being an adult. Let’s focus on the true joy others bring to us and the real joy we can bring to others. It is truly better to give than to receive.
Have a blessed Christmas and may the new year be filled with so much prosperity that you complete the lotto numbers incorrectly on purpose.
John Fogwell & The Team
