Of course, we recognize and celebrate many individuals whose contribution to society goes far beyond the self-serving goals that most of us aspire to. Mother Teresa, is probably one of the most selfless figures that springs to mind, but still we celebrate her for what she achieved.

I wonder how differently we would look at ourselves and others, if we measured ourselves on happiness and contentment. Imagine we had happiness barometers on our sleeves for all to see. Just walking down the street, taking the train, doing our grocery shopping, we could look around us and instantly see how happy and content people are. Imagine you could see their emotional state. We have probably all uttered words like "Sure, he has lots of money, but I don't think he's happy". 

Material goods and wealth can't buy happiness, but they can certainly make being miserable more comfortable. The trouble with wealth and the lifestyle it affords us, is that it doesn't come alone. It brings with it the pressure to maintain that lifestyle, and that in turn brings stress, anxiety, and often unhappiness. Yet still we continue because it's what we know, and what we feel is expected of us.

During a consultation with a client recently, he confided that his dream would be to give up his successful career, and get into something fresh and new. He told me that the happiest time of his life was a period almost 35yrs ago when he was teaching in a small college. He gave that up to pursue a career in big industry. A career that has provided him and his family with a very comfortable lifestyle indeed; a lifestyle that he is under immense pressure to maintain. At least in his own mind.

The reason his teaching period hold such special memories is that he had no real responsibilities at that time. His life was carefree and his only obligations were his monthly rent, and fuel for his little sports car.

The question is: can he achieve that same mindset today with all of his obligations? Yes he can. It depends very much on his own mindset, and his own approach. I'm not suggesting that he gives up the career he has worked so hard to build (although doing so wouldn't be as catastrophic as he believes it would be). What i am suggesting, is that a lot of the pressure he is under is self-imposed.

Over the next few posts, I will be providing some more insights into the effects of stress, and providing some new approaches to dealing with stress and its symptoms.