I don’t usually watch Oprah, but I caught the show, a while back, with Goldie Hawn. The show was about finding happiness, so it caught my eye. The Hawn Foundation is an organization to help children, our future, find happiness in this very difficult world we live in.

They listed several things that will bring happiness. It broke my heart to note they were all based on the preservation of self such as meditation, self pampering, personal gratification. The professional in the audience, only once, and in passing, mentioned that volunteering may be a good idea. There was no mention of a loving Heavenly Father.

Well, after I got over my shock and dismay, I sat back and realized just how blessed I am to know the gospel, and the happiness it brings into my life. I do appreciate her efforts, but mankind will never be able to find happiness, for true happiness can only come from God.

The gospel is not only true; it teaches us who we are, why we are here, and where we have the potential to end up. The answers to those questions bring happiness. Knowing that God knows who we are, and loves us, brings happiness. The scriptures teach us that when we know who we are, we are capable, as well as commanded, to love one another with a deep and abiding love. We achieve true happiness when we share this good news. And let’s not forget the eternal happiness we can gain by knowing that God loves us so much he will allow us into His eternal family upon our acceptance of this happiness.

Women today have a hard time recognizing who they are. Remember, Satan doesn’t want us to realize this, so he resorts to throwing debilitating beliefs that cripple our would be, glory-bound spirits, such as depression, body image, inferiority complexes, and the like. But if we are obedient, we can overcome the world and be happy. How wonderful to understand this truth.

And our children indeed are at risk. We must teach our children that there is hope, there is joy in righteousness, and it is through serving one another that we find a life worth living in the name of the Lord.

I found a timely article in the Relief Society Magazine about happiness, and its message is spot on.

“Have you ever noticed how much of Christ’s life was spent in doing kind things? He spent most of his time in making people happy, and yet some would have us believe that He was a man of sorrows. Christ taught us that the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. If we would follow in His footsteps, we must go about doing good. Service is the measure of greatness, and he is greatest and happiest who does the most good.”

This gospel is all about loving and serving one another. Relief Society, in particular, teaches us to reach out toward one another.

Again, from this article: “No person can be truly happy who has a small, bigoted, narrow, uncharitable mind or disposition. Generosity, charity, and kindness are absolutely essential to real happiness.”

Reading this article made me happy, because I believe it too. Enjoy the rest of these shared words of the ages from a fellow sister in the gospel:

“Real happiness without achievement of some worthy aim is unthinkable. One of the greatest satisfactions in this world is the feeling of growth, of stretching upward and onward. We must feel our expanding-power lifting, tugging away at a lofty purpose or we miss the joy of living. Happiness has little to do with material things…It cannot be found in mere temporary things, because its roots reach deep down into eternal principles. Where can the people of a bemuddled world turn to find a day-by-day plan for developing habits of happiness? There is only one answer—through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has pointed the way. May we so live that we may have that inner peace which comes from right thinking and right doing, that we may have everlasting joy and happiness. Happiness consists not of having, but of being; not of possessing, but of enjoying. It is the warm glow of a heart at peace with itself. Happiness is paradoxical because it may coexist with trial, sorrow and poverty. It is the gladness of the heart, rising superior to all conditions. It is the essence of a life lived in harmony with high ideals. We are creators of our own happiness.”

Article found in the Relief Society Magazine: Pauline T. Pingree, (RS General Board Member), “Habits of Happiness”, Conference Address, Oct 3, 1940)