Promises offered

 I have heard from the experts that you must grant yourself permission if you want to be happy in life. That is the phycological interpretation of human behaviors. These experts that attended years of schooling, writing a dissertation to obtain that PhD and that is what they say. Well all I know is if you do what you want you will get immediate satisfaction but the long term results may not be all that great. I'd add to those experts advice by saying, before you grant yourself permission, consider those around you. It does seem like simple logic to me. Personal happiness isn't a personal thing! Some folks seemed to be confused by that. This is becoming especially true in todays world. The greatest joy really does come from the happiness of others. At least I would say, lasting happiness is that way. Talk to a Grandparent if you don't understand that.
 Our time here is limited, a simple fact. I don't believe we are here just to entertain ourselves but to make a contribution. It's true that not all of us will make a positive contribution. Why some folks make positive contributions and others negative I'll leave to another philosopher. My thinking is it is based on the choices you make. Make good choices and you get good results. There are times when that choice may deprive you of something you want, it's still a good choice. Don't go granting yourself permission to make mistakes. Isn't that what religious instruction is all about. Living a moral and ethical life does require some sacrifice on your part. In the Christian tradition Jesus died for our sins ( shortcomings ) as a means of atonement. Deprived of life, the ultimate sacrifice. The reward is eternal life, really eternal happiness right? That is what is promised in heaven. No more sacrifice, no more pain, no more sorrow. How does that happen? By choice, your choice.
 Lasting happiness is the belief in what will be. I'm happy with the knowledge that tomorrow will be a better day. My children will prosper and in turn their children. The world will go on, generation following generation. Lasting happiness does not come from what I have today, lasting happiness is a promise. It makes little difference where the promise comes from, religious belief or something else, only that the promise is offered. Happiness arrives when we accept that promise not for ourselves, but for others. Personal happiness is subject to change. A promise made is not! Believing that the promise will be fulfilled is, happiness.