Pondering the Age-Old Question

The idea that "happiness comes from within" is often touted by self-help gurus, but I firmly reject that notion. Just the other week, while indulging in ice cream and watching comedian Bobby Lee hilariously shock Logan Paul's cohost by exposing himself, my mood shifted from gloomy to joyous in an instant.

Interestingly, I once witnessed a man in Germany, sporting long, unkempt blonde hair and a red sweater, crush a full ice cream cone on the pavement for no apparent reason. My wife and I were in her old college town, and that bizarre act brought us unexpected delight. It was such a primal display that we couldn't help but whisper, "There he is again!" when we spotted him a couple more times.

As a child, I had my fair share of unhappy moments too. My older brother was bitten by the neighbor's dog, and years later, a menacing dog chased me while I was on my way to a friend's house. I leaped onto a parked car's roof, waiting for the owner to call the dog back. That was not a happy experience.

But surely, I could have just chosen to be happy, right? Nonsense! This reinforces my belief that true happiness arises from indulging in life's pleasures—whether that's savoring delicious food, winning a game of chance, or simply enjoying good company.

Dancing was always a peculiar endeavor for me. My mother would reminisce about how Aunt Marilyn taught her to dance, insisting that not knowing how to dance would lead to a dull life. But really, I was just a three-year-old in leg braces!

My discomfort with dancing was only amplified during my visits to the nightclub Diamonds at the Marriott. The bizarre dance moves of others left me feeling like an outsider, standing awkwardly while attempting to adjust my attire. Yet, we were there to meet women, and I suppose that brought me some happiness.

And who could forget the times my father would say, "Don't always try to get the last word," in a futile attempt to have the last word himself? I would respond with an "Okay," effectively winning that verbal battle.

So, the next time someone insists that "happiness comes from within," feel free to share countless examples that debunk that myth.

Thanks to Carol Lennox for her invaluable editing insights.

Art by Noahrodwin

Section 1.1: The Impact of External Events

It's fascinating how small, unexpected moments can flip our moods. Whether it's a comedian's outrageous antics or a stranger's odd behavior, these events can elevate our spirits in ways we least expect.

Chapter 2: The Comedy of Life

The first video titled "What A Pain In The Butt" humorously explores life's quirks and how they can unexpectedly bring us joy, illustrating that laughter is a powerful tool for happiness.