Hi,

It's been too long, I admit it. Even before sitting down right now, I was thinking whether or not I have the time to do this, but you know what, for some things it's worth making the time.
I have a few thoughts as a result of own recent experiences as well as talking with various friends. I have realized that being happy, although it is each and every person's goal ( whether they're conscious of it or not), that there is an art to reaching that state of being. It seems to me more clearly than ever, that one could have everything that they thought it would make them happy, and still feel unfulfilled, like there is still something missing. I venture to say that everyone of us has been in that situation at some point in our lives. So...my dilemma is, how come we are not feeling those ecstatic emotions that we anticipated feeling as a result of finishing up school, or getting that ideal job, or better yet, getting into that perfect relationship. What I experienced in my life is that even when I reached that one goal, instead of focusing and enjoying my accomplishment I would focus on what I was yet lacking...or perceived to be lacking. You know what this behavior leads to? I think it leads to feelings of worthlessness and inability of functioning to our full potential. Whose desire is it to make us work in a lower gear, or not run at all? Whose plan is to bring misery unto the humankind? You guessed right...that serpent, who is as old as the world is...Satan. I truly believe that one of the best tools satan is using against Heavenly Father's children is to make us feel like there's something missing, to make us yearn always for something better and higher, to make us want feelings and sensations that are not even real, nor leading to true happiness.
At first I thought that well, the reason I'm feeling off it's because I have good reasons, I don't have that great job that I've hoped for, or I didn't get into Law school like I thought it should have happened, and as those are good reasons to make me feel a little down or want to re-evaluate my life and make some decisions, I was not justified in feeling so low. But then I looked at some of my best friends, who I thought they have it all and that they surely should be completely happy. And you know what I found, that they also focused on what they were yet missing, or better yet, on what could possibly go wrong, how they could get cancer or what if something happened to their spouse. Yes, I also have those few friends who are always content with life, who have such a good energy and know their true value. I am so grateful for those examples in my life. They are a true example of discipleship, for how can we serve those around us when we are not in a good state ourselves.
Maybe some have been born with the ability to be happy naturally, but for those of us who seem to always need something more, I am certain that there is another way to live our lives. Emulating what those who are truly happy do and say is a good way to start. There seems to be a common character trait, that of true concern for others' wellbeing. Also that of asking for a lot but taking whatever one is given; of feeling in control of their emotions and reactions even when life is really tough.
I want to commit myself, that in spite of my circumstances I will always be grateful for what I do have, for my mind and testimony even if I have nothing else. I need to feel enough before I will accomplish all the great things I am attempting to, and only then will I have gotten the essence of it all.
See, I have it so well....in theory...the hard part is applying it. But i think we can help each other, specially that we're all going through it. I think that sincerely caring and complementing each other reminds us that we really should feel enough as we are.
Anyway, I could probably keep going on about this topic, because I care so much about not only me overcoming this mortal/satan-induced predicament, but it also pains me that most people out there are feeling the same way. It is all in our power to change our perspective and eventually have no outside sources influencing our spiritual and emotional state for the worst.

Feel free to add your opinions or comments on this. I'd be interested in your perspective and/or experiences.
Take care,
A.