Happiness is a topic we have discussed multiple times, but it seems fitting to bring it up again. I recently had shared with me a letter Thomas Gordon wrote on this very subject. In it, he asserts that “imaginary happiness is a poor amends for the want of real.” I have recently found myself getting caught up in the crowds around me and moving more towards this imaginary happiness. I think that it can be easy to get them confused sometimes. Especially when all around you, people seem to be happy following their own path. So maybe you try to follow it yourself. Or you think you have found happiness in similar places and try to pursue them again. Only you come to realize that what is true for one situation may not be for another. I thought I knew where to find real happiness where I am, but I kept getting disappointed. I’m still getting disappointed. Gordon also writes that “he who aims not at an elevated lot, is happier than he, who, having it, fears to lose it.” I feel like like I’m losing my place, where ever it may be, and because of it, I can’t find my true happiness. And I think a lot of the problem is that I pinned my happiness on others. I was, and still kind of am, looking for reassurance and praise for what I do. I sought out the outlets where I had found it the most, and they turned up empty. So now I am lost. But I know that I can find my way again. Gordon finally surmises that “ Happiness is therefore from within just as much as virtue; and the virtuous man enjoys the most.” Happiness is a goal we must reach towards. The Greek root of the word means “good soul state” and just like virtue, that state can be a struggle to get to. It all depends on how much you are willing to work. If it is a goal you truly desire, the effort will not be in vain. That does not mean it will come easy. It just means that it will be worth it. And you can find little victories along the way. A little happiness and virtue can cleanse your spirit even if it isn’t perfect. I want everyone to know that they are not alone in this struggle. We may be the voices telling you what steps to take and what path is the right to follow, but that’s because we too are making those decisions. We are learning with you. And we are not perfect. We stumble. We fall. And we sometimes feel lost. But then we turn to those around us who help us find our footing again. We are all in this battle together. We get told we are alone by those who want to tear us down. But happiness is achievable. Virtue is achievable. If we help each other along the way, we have nothing to fear. So don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you feel lost like I did, well, am. And don’t be afraid to reach out to help if you see someone lost, either. I look forward to continuing on this journey with all of you by my side.

Yours truly,

Publius