Life's only as complicated as we make it.

I believe that all people in many ways are exactly the same. It makes no difference what your nationality, your gender, your age, or how you vote. You may now be sitting with one brow raised by these words. Considering how massive in both its geography and diversity our world is to say we are all in any way all the same, might seem unlikely. I'm not a scientist so I'll pass on any arguments related to humans at the molecular level, and instead look at people from a much simpler perspective.

All people, want to be happy, except for the few with some mental illness that seek to be unhappy why wouldn't we? We avoid the things in our world that are harmful, or bring us pain, or sadness, and gravitate to those that bring us pleasure. Not a complicated notion, but unfortunately our world can complicate even the simplest things. Our reality is that the choices we make are not as simple as go left, or go right. Often what we desire carries a price. That price can often be found on a tag if it's something material that we desire, but other things in life come with prices not so clearly defined. It's also true that events beyond our control in our world force us to make choices not based on getting what we want, but based on the consequences of our inaction's. 

People seem to find much more comfort when the price for what they desire, or the reward for their actions is clearly laid out. That purchase of a new coat for example. We can see the price, and consider the hours required to pay for it, then make our choice. When we work for our money most of us prefer to be paid by the hour, rather than paid by the job. It gives us certainty in our life, and certainty holds great value.

Now I'm sure if you think about that feeling of certainty, of love, and of security you'll not suggest that those fundamental emotions might not be relevant based on nationality, gender, or religion. What really differentiates people is not their core values, or desires, it's what they believe is the best way to nurture them. Some things in our lives will be radically different. Where in this world we are born, whether the spoon we are given at birth is silver and our own, or wooden and shared. Our culture, our religion, our gender will all impact the way we seek the things that make us happy, and avoid the things that don't. Regardless of the road we travel in life, our chosen destination in many ways will always be the same.  

As I look to those who have had the most success in life at finding that core happiness, I see one very important common thread. It's the willingness to walk a path unknown. It's not wealth that brings universal joy. Money has brought both harm and good, happiness and sadness. Beauty is much like wealth it seems to help a few, but can curse others. Power, well that one needs few words to discard as a universal source for joy. The one thing I've yet to find not shared by those truly happy in life is the willingness to follow their heart, and find happiness in the journey without any clearly defined price or reward waiting at the end. Some of these people have found wealth, or fame, and some even power, usually with no intention to do so. Others have not found, nor did they ever desire any of these things. But all of them have lived life, felt joy, and touched others in a positive way on their journey.

If we exclude taxes then life has only one certainty no matter who we are. The role what we believe comes beyond death plays in our lives will vary for each of us. As long as we take the time to live we will all find happiness. Take a chance, turn down a road you've never been down just to see where it takes you. Happiness isn't exclusive to any individual or group, and it has no limit or expiry date. So when you find it, share it, eventually it will come back to you, of that I'm sure.