I read a story of unknown origin about the question asked by an English newspaper.  The newspaper asked its readers who they thought were the happiest people on earth.   The prize-winning answers may surprise you.

One response was an artist or craftsman whistling over a job well done.  A young child building sand castles, a busy mother bathing her baby at the end of the day, and a doctor who saved a life by performing a dangerous operation were also on the list of winning answers.

Do you find it interesting that people who are famous or wealthy are not on the list?  When you really think about it, those are not the things that truly make people happy.  In fact, it is the famous and wealthy who are often unhappy.

We spend a lot of our lives seeking for the higher paying job and more prestigious position.  It is good to advance and be our best at what we do, but it is most important to recognize that those things are not what bring us true happiness .

Take time to appreciate the day-to-day blessings of family and nature.  Instead of focusing on getting more, focus on how you can make a difference in the world.  Whether it is spending quality time with your family or inventing a tool that will better the entire world, do what really matters.

Enjoy what matters so you can live . . . your life to the fullest.