that man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest

a long time ago, i met someone, and i had asked that person what he wanted from life. his response was so simple, so clear - just to be happy. at the time, i didn't understand. i mean i had just started college, and i wanted to be the editor of the paper, get into the undergraduate business program, run a painting company, get an internship in new york, get some job at some high profile company, become a vice president or something like that... happy? i thought that was a ridiculous goal. anyone could be happy. i wanted to be a somebody, a 'real' somebody, somebody who changes the world. but now, five and a half years later, i do understand. and there is no better answer to the question. it's not about the fancy car, the big house, the top rated school, the most selective job, the highest title or anything of the sort. it's about happiness, as simple as that. sadly, happiness is harder to come by than we realize. thankfully, i think i'm on the right track.

not too long ago, i met someone who gave me that same answer. i believe that people come in and out of our lives for certain reasons. his was to help me understand what i didn't years ago.