The world as I see it.
Living an international life puts one into their own space. Done properly, one is in a space that they define — on their own terms. Certainly, there are the usual daily pressures but one has had the opportunity to construct, to some measure, the life that they wish. In many respects, this has been true for myself.
This ability for the international person to define their life allows them to reflect on their views and values. In my case, I have had the luxury of being able to reflect on the meaning of “happiness” and “unhappiness”.
We see many definitions of happiness. We probably all know people who are constantly seeking happiness through the collection of material possessions — the new luxury automobile, the latest home entertainment system, the new boat, etc. These are all the symbols of success that feed the ego. Maybe you do that. I know that I used to.
I have learned that these things do not bring happiness. Each new acquisition gives a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction but it is temporary. There is an underlying sense of unease that remains.
Through my experiences, I have learned a very simple definition of happiness. In my definition, happiness is having a sense of self and being at harmony with oneself. This means, knowing who you are (in at least a vague sense) and being comfortable with who you are.(1) You are not going to be the richest or have the largest swimming pool in the neighborhood (or even one at all) but that does not matter. That is not what is important.
In contrast, unhappiness is not accepting or not being in harmony with who one is — with one’s self.
Happiness is not material possessions, fame, or power. Despite what the songs say, no one can “make us happy” (2). It comes from self.
You may not agree with me but, That is how I see things.
Mark Louis Uhrich
Maisons-Laffitte, France, 7 May 2018
©Copyright Mark Uhrich
*Extract from my work “On Being International” published in “Glocal” working — Living and working across the world with cultural intelligence, edited by Barbara Bertagni, Michele La Rosa, Fernando Salvetti. FrancoAngeli, 2010, 1529.2.110 .
(1) This includes knowing your shortcomings, accepting them, and being OK with that.
(2) Although someone else cannot “make us happy”, I would definitely agree that someone else can make one quite miserable. One can be happy to be with someone.