Happiness Vs. Success

James Elliot, a reporter for the National Globe, teased Charles Goodwin while interviewing him, “you are successful, wealthy, and smart, yet none of your four children have followed in your footsteps. Why not? It doesn’t bother you that you have no heirs to take over your life’s work when you die? Everything that you have created, where will it go?”

Charles Goodwin eased in a mischievous smile and taunted back, “do you have children?” Mr. Elliot.

“I asked you first,” the reporter shot out trying to read his expression.

Nodding with a mischievous smile, Mr. Goodwin relates, “You will get your answer, just answer mine.”

“Ok,” the reporter said taking out his cellphone, “Yes Sir, I have a 4-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter, here they are,” showing him pictures of his children on his phone.

“Beautiful happy children. Which would you rather for them, success or happiness?” Mr. Goodwin asks, looking at the pictures. The happiness on their faces stirred memories of his children when they were younger. Children and animals possess an incredible ability to hold onto happiness. Memories of happy moments with his children and now grandchildren spanning more than thirty years comforted the sadness that was trying to take over his heart, mind, and soul.

Staring into Mr. Goodwin’s eyes as he returned the phone, James saw a flicker of pain and regret that quickly disappeared.

Then James said, nodding in agreement, “success for me. Happiness doesn’t pay my bills,” putting his cell phone to his right on the end table.

“Are you satisfied with your life James?” Charles asks, fighting to get eye contact as James keeps blinking as if to hide the truth that is about to show.

“I am the one asking the questions,” James pushed out, rubbing his eyes to hide the mirror that was reflecting what was in his heart and thoughts. “Plus, neither satisfaction nor happiness will pay my mortgage.”

Smiling in understanding, Charles states, “You are not a smart man Mr. Elliot; you made the wrong choice. Success doesn’t bring happiness, but happiness will bring success.”

Shocked at the reality, James remained silent.

“You see son, my children are satisfied with their life. Satisfaction gave them the power to chose happiness because they have seen what success has done to me. They love their father, but they love contentment more.”

“I get that,” James said. “But it still doesn’t pay my bills.”

“It will in the long run,” Charles elaborates. “Being happy gives us the power to do things success doesn’t and can’t. Happiness is like water; it is the main ingredient in almost everything that is made and created in our world. We can’t survive without water, and we can’t be at our best without happiness. It brings out the best in us and makes our prosperity safe and secure. Happy people live better and longer, and they do better in almost all areas of their lives. Success isn’t caused by anything simple, but happiness is.

I would rather have happy children who are satisfied with their lives than successful children who are unhappy. Happiness is power, son.”

This was inspired by my son's wanting to drop out of college after the first year. They know the value of a good education, but they also know the value, strength, and power of happiness. They knew what they wanted. They wanted to do something that they loved to do and earn an income from it. At their age, it takes wisdom to know what you want and the strength to go after it. But allowing children to make their own life decisions is power. I am still learning from children.

Thank you for reading this piece. I hope you enjoy it and will savor more from some talented writers whose links are below.

https://vocal.media/fiction/becoming-a-stone-skipper

https://vocal.media/motivation/lessons-for-happiness-from-the-costa-rican-way-of-life