As we are in the midst of the holiday season, I am taking a break from the tax and accounting focus and wanted to talk about true happiness instead. It is my hypothesis that, deep down, each of us desires true happiness and that is the center around which we build the rest of our lives. There may be differing opinions on what provides true happiness, but everyone wants it even if they won’t admit that they do.
My experience has shown that academic, professional and other related accomplishments in this life can provide a form of temporary satisfaction and happiness. However, I typically only find lasting happiness when I am helping or serving others whether it be family, friends or perfect strangers. Personal accomplishments only provide a certain level of satisfaction, but helping others provides happiness that does not end. That happiness is enhanced each time we reach outside our own comfort zone to help others. This help can be as simple as a kind or complimentary word to someone or spending hours helping someone with a project, a move or simply being there for them with a listening ear. I know that sometimes when a coworker or associate has given me a rather simple compliment, it has been exactly what I needed that day to turn my world around. Many times, a simple compliment can be just what someone needs.
I would encourage each of us to take inventory of what we have been blessed with in this life – a great country and neighborhood, great family and friends, adequate shelter and food to eat each day and a personal relationship with God. Then, once we have learned to appreciate what we have been blessed with, we will be able to ignore the many distractions in life and focus on helping those around us, wherever we may be. I know from personal experience that providing help to others provides the greatest satisfaction and happiness that is available.
Please contact us if you have any questions. The tax filing season is just around the corner and 2016 tax organizers will go out in January!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!