Recipe for A Happy Life

The following is my idea of some core necessities for living a happy life.  We need to have developed and established values of humility and respect for others, and the maturity to always maintain them as part of who we are so we can be self indulgent without having a sense of superiority or entitlement above that of others.  In other words be grateful and appreciative of our own privileges and blessings (which are different for all people) without having a big head.  And of course indulge in as much self care as our circumstances permit without feeling any guilt.  Having some sort of purpose or goal to focus on is important also.  We do need a sense of direction.  And finally, we need to be loved and supported and to do the same for others.  Our willingness to extend kindness, generosity, and assistance to others will benefit not only them, but also ourselves. 

I need to also add, because I don’t think that my last statements quite said it, but we all need family and others with whom we belong.  Even people who like to spend a lot of time alone also have a need to feel that they have a place and belong with others.