Striving for a meaningful life, not a happy one, is something i believe we should all try and obtain. Happiness, although a wonderful emotion to experience, is fleeting and therefore futile as a life’s pursuit. This is not to say one should not invite as much happiness into their life as possible, merely that you are setting yourself up for failure if you do not understand life’s miseries as they will surely be thrust upon you at one stage or another. Learning to observe and embrace our happiness for what it is – say as you would when viewing a rainbow or a wave – and not cling to it, is a worthy skill to cultivate. Finding a true meaning to exist cannot be so easily taken from us and provides a significant pillar to fall back on through this wild ride. Also, in my opinion, meaning provides us with happiness.
– M L Wood.