Photo credit: http://thenewdiplomacyc.blogspot.com/2010/11/public-diplomacy.html
This is blindingly obvious and yet, in the West, we are often striving after other things - a successful career, a well paid job, money generally, a big house, a flash car, nice clothes, etc. Essentially, chasing material possessions and goods that are supposed to make us happy. But do they?
I would argue - No, they don't.
What makes you happy is a strong and secure relationship, very good friends (it is the quality rather than the quantity that is key!), a caring and supportive family, and a vibrant community, that you feel a part of - a group of people who care about you, and you care about them, and they look out for you, and you look out for them.
The Government is looking at developing a Happiness Index to measure what makes people happy. It is not rocket science - a spouse/partner, friends, family, community. If you have these, you are sorted. I count myself very lucky in most (not all!) of these respects.
