From today’s Mayan Calendar (August 21). “The road you travel by day is not the same path you take by night. Open your heart to one and you will open a path for many. The more roads we can connect and link with others, the more travelers can come together and mutually enrich their journeys. Some may choose the solitary path, but even the lone traveler will find comfort in the company of friends and loved ones, no matter for how brief a time their paths should cross.”

This reminds me of the philosophy that when we contribute to our community, we begin to be woven in, strengthened by our involvement. Opening our hearts to others, not just those we know well, is the way to open ourselves to real joy, pure happiness.

There are too many people searching for “happiness.” As Wayne Dyer says, “There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way.” We choose happiness everyday, in our thoughts and actions and in our love of self. Happiness is always within us. By opening our hearts, we can hope to ignite others, yet it is their own journey to their own happiness–we cannot make someone else happy anymore than they can truly make us happy. When we cross paths, we amplify and reflect our joy, but we cannot give joy to one another for we only hold it within ourselves. Our joy simply allows them, perhaps, to better see their own.

May we all continue to have the courage to be authentic and joyful for own sakes, for life is truly simple. We complicate it. Be good to yourself, and be good to others, and choose to be happy.