Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the greatest conquer- ors the world has ever seen. He stunned the world with his power and enormous wealth. Surpris- ingly, during the end of his life, the champion ruler disclosed one thing that took the world by sur- prise. He said: “Even though I have conquered and amassed so much, there were hardly seven happy days in my entire life.”
We are, in fact, astonished to hear these words. We could over- look these words if it was said by a common man. But, these are the words of a global conqueror!
Napoleon’s words call us for a deeper reflection on life. Most of us think that we will be happy if we have all the riches, beauty, fan following, luxury and so on. Those who think so will be people who are not fortunate enough to expe- rience them. The sad truth is that those who have experienced the aforesaid things in their life need not be happy people. Perhaps, they might be successful in life; but, they need not be happy people.
Although success gives us momentary happiness, when the success fails to repeat, we will lose our happiness.
Happiness is an attitude of the mind. True happiness does not depend on circumstances or per- sons, but on how we look at other persons and circumstances. Our mind and our thoughts have vital roles to play in deciding our hap- piness. It is our mind that builds heaven and hell. That means, we can be happy if we decide to be happy.
We may not be able to be hap- py if we keep looking at people around us and our circumstances. Happiness is a decision. It is a de- termination that I will not destroy my inner happiness.
When we have reached such a state of mind, no one will be able to steal our happiness. Do not think that we will be able to experience happiness only in great things. Start rejoicing in the little things of life and see the difference!
Hence, keep your mind pleas- ant and happy. Fill your mind with pleasant and positive thoughts. Let us rejoice from the heart!
DR ANTONEY P JOSEPH
Managing Editor
