We Were Never Meant to Be Miserable
| One of the greatest gifts in life is finding people whose words stay with you long after the conversation is over. Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who challenged my thinking, encouraged my growth, and helped shape the way I see the world. In my book, A Course in Happiness, I share many of those lessons because they continue to guide me every day. One mentor in particular, Eddie Miller, had a simple reminder that has echoed in my mind for years: “We were not put on this earth to be miserable.” Think about that for a moment. Life will always have its share of challenges. There will be disappointments, setbacks, losses, and moments that test us. None of us are promised an easy road. But Eddie wasn’t suggesting that life would be free from hardship. He was reminding me that misery doesn’t have to become our permanent address. Too often we get trapped replaying yesterday’s mistakes, worrying about tomorrow’s uncertainties, or comparing our lives to everyone else’s. Before long, we begin to believe that happiness is something we’ll find someday—after we get the promotion, retire, lose the weight, or solve every problem. But happiness doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances. It’s found in the choices we make today. It’s found in gratitude, forgiveness, laughter, meaningful relationships, and the decision to focus on what we can control instead of what we can’t. That one sentence from Eddie Miller has become a checkpoint in my own life. Whenever I catch myself slipping into negativity or taking life too seriously, I hear his voice reminding me: “You weren’t put here to be miserable.” It’s an invitation to change perspective. To appreciate another sunrise. To make someone smile. To pick up the phone and reconnect with a friend. To laugh a little more and complain a little less. The pursuit of happiness isn’t selfish—it’s contagious. When we become happier people, we naturally become better spouses, parents, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Our attitude influences everyone around us. So this week, I’d like to leave you with Eddie’s wisdom. If life has been weighing heavily on your shoulders, ask yourself one simple question:”Am I choosing misery, or am I choosing happiness?” The choice isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth making. After all, we were never meant to be miserable. Here’s to choosing happiness, one day at a time. Until next time, Tommy Hilcken |