My husband liberally quoted this morning to me:
“If you want happiness for an hour—take a nap. If you want happiness for a day—go fishing. If you want happiness for a month—get married. If you want happiness for a year—inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime—help others.” -Chinese Proverb
It made me start thinking and I asked him if he could make the quote personal what would he say?
His reply for an hour was – a bowl of ice cream.
For a day it was – No work.
For a year (he forgot there was a month) – A trip abroad
And for a life time he said ( and this is why I fell for him) – being married to me.
If I was to rewrite the quote for myself my reply was:
For an hour – Watch Masterpiece Theatre/Classics/Mystery on PBS
For a day – Curl up comfy with a great book.
For a month – Go up to the treehouse.
For a year – Achieve something or Get a dog.
For a lifetime – Being of service as a mom and a wife.
This one quote made for really interesting conversation and insight. What would your happiness be? How about your partner, friend or children? Ask them and yourself. Lively discussion may follow.
“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes real happiness. It is not obtained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” – Helen Keller