Pursuing Happiness

A few years ago, I was asked to speak on the Declaration of Independence at an event celebrating the 4th of July. At the time, I was struggling with the decision to go back to school, trying to figure out if I really had what it takes to be a writer, and missing many of the comforts of home and family. So I chose to speak on one particular phrase:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

This year my thoughts have returned to this passage, especially the three basic human rights. While Life and Liberty are listed as passive, inherent privileges, Happiness is the only thing that we must actively pursue.

I have come to a bit of a crossroads in my life yet again, which always forces me to ask myself, "What will make me happy?" Just something else to think about this coming holiday.