The question is not "What is the meaning of life?" The question to ask is "What makes me happy?"
I read this fantastic article by Douglas Preston about the Dalai Lama's trip to New Mexico in the mid 80's and it made me pause and think about the question, "What makes me happy?" I think too often we get caught chasing the illusion of happiness without stopping to ask ourselves if that is what truly makes us happy.
Have you asked yourself lately, "What makes me happy?"
Excerpt from the article The Dalai Lama's Ski Trip:
A waitress asked the Dalai Lama, "What is the meaning of life?"
The Dalai Lama answered immediately. “The meaning of life is happiness.” He raised his finger, leaning forward, focusing on her as if she were the only person in the world. “Hard question is not, ‘What is meaning of life?’ That is easy question to answer! No, hard question is what make happiness. Money? Big house? Accomplishment? Friends? Or …” He paused. “Compassion and good heart? This is question all human beings must try to answer: What make true happiness?” He gave this last question a peculiar emphasis and then fell silent, gazing at her with a smile.