In the Pursuit of Happiness

I guess by now most of us middle class Americans being squeezed at the gas pumps and grocery stores due mainly to rising oil prices and the use of petroleum products and higher transportation costs wonder if we will ever be able to have the luxury to follow our dreams.

I guess it depends upon what you dream or dreams are, and whether or not they are realistic.  For me my dream of owning my own home, and earning a comfortable living have been dwindling over the past few years.  It seems just as I am about to realize at least one of my dreams something gets in the way.  Either I am not making enough money to qualify for a home, or I lose a job, or get behind on some payments, or as in my case last year, have to care for a newborn grandbaby.

Now, we all have burdens to bare, and while most of us will unfortunately never realize our dreams, we must continue to pursue them in any event for fear of just giving up in life itself.  Society at least in this country seems to burden us from birth with the idea of having it at least a little better than our parents did.  We are instilled with the need for a good education, and hopefully a sense of values that will carry on into our adult lives.  What our parents couldn't and can't foresee are the so called bumps in the road or challenges that will face us in the future.  All they can do is continue to push us onward and teach us not to let the bad things in life keep us down or from pursuing our dreams and goals.

Unfortunately, some of us get into trouble easier and more often from others, and at varying degrees.  We sometimes make some poor choices, and think the only way out is to run and hide, or just give up our pursuit of the dreams or goals we have set for ourselves.

While I am 58 years old and still pursuing my dreams, I vow never to give up no matter what life throws at me.  I would prefer to believe that these are minor short term setbacks that just keep me from attaining my goals a little while longer, and that eventually I will reach them.

My best advice for anyone who is experiencing a difficult time right now, no matter what the reason, never give up on yourselves and keep striving to make things in your life better.  Don't allow the bad times to control you, take proactive measures to keep from repeating the same mistakes, and do whatever you can to overcome your current difficulties without putting yourself in worse shape.  I know that isn't always easy believe me, but it can be done with a little perserverance and determination on your part.

I still don't always make the right decisions, but I don't procrastinate and run and hide from my problems either.  Keep your chin up and hold your head up high, and just be proud to be continuing on your quest to attain your dreams and goals in life.