I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of “happiness.” Sometimes, I wonder if life is really about pursuing happiness, or if there are deeper reasons that make life worthwhile. I say this because I’ve seen people dedicate their lives to causes much bigger than themselves, often sacrificing what most of us would consider essential parts of happiness, like financial comfort, just to help others succeed. I know many parents who’ve done exactly that for their children.
This led me to realize that happiness isn’t the same for everyone. What brings joy to one person might not mean much to another. Some people find fulfillment without the usual elements—no laughter, no money, no partner, no kids, no fame, no glory. It’s almost like they’re “vegans of the soul,” choosing to leave out what others might consider essential, yet still finding their own kind of contentment. Life offers a range of bittersweet happinesses, where each of us creates our own unique blend, focusing on what truly matters to us.
Watching The Pursuit of Happyness made me reflect on this and ask myself, “What am I really searching for?” What is the driving force in my life—the thing that would make me willing to sleep on the floor of a public restroom, holding my son Daniel, just like Chris Gardner did in the film? Have I truly identified the goal I’m pursuing, or am I just going through the motions, following the crowd because I assume someone else knows where we’re headed?
For Gardner, the moment of clarity came when he saw Bob Bridges stepping out of his Ferrari. Up until then, he was driven by survival instinct, stuck at the base of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs—a psychological theory that explains human motivations, with survival at the bottom and self-actualization at the top. But after that encounter, his focus shifted to something higher, even though life continued to challenge him at every turn.
It reminds me of something a wise man once told me: “If you don’t know where you’re going, any bus will do.” Are we on the right path, or did we just jump on the first bus that came along, only to find ourselves going in circles? In Costa Rica, where I’m from, there’s a bus line called “La Periférica” that loops around the city without ever really taking you anywhere new. It’s easy to get caught in that kind of loop, moving in circles, seeing the same things over and over without realizing it.
Living with purpose isn’t just about chasing happiness; it’s about understanding what truly drives you and ensuring that every step you take aligns with that deeper purpose. When you’re true to your values and goals, happiness often follows naturally. Life’s journey isn’t a race to a finish line—it’s a path you carve out with intention, resilience, and the courage to keep moving through whatever challenges arise.
And just like on any road, there are traffic lights for a reason. Red lights make us pause and reflect, giving us a chance to reconsider our journey and take in the surroundings. Yellow lights urge us to be cautious, to weigh risks and make wise decisions. And when the light turns green, MOVE! Not just for yourself, but because others are depending on you to lead and inspire them.
