Is happiness the main goal?

I had a baby last year, and as a result, I’ve been thinking about what I want for the little guy... my hopes and dreams for him.
 
And although his life plan will be up to him, there’s one thing I REALLY hope he has.

Something I want to cultivate in him.
 
And you know what?
 
It’s not happiness.
 
(I mean: of course I want him to be happy!)
 
But my main hope for him isn’t happiness.
 
It’s something much more important than that.

And this is it... 

I hope he has resilience.
 
Yup. I want to encourage resilience in him.
 
Because we can’t be happy every single minute of every day.
 
Happiness 24/7 isn’t achievable (imo).
 
Grief and heartache are part of life... as are normal ups and downs.
 
So I can’t protect him from tough times.
 
But I can wish him – and try to instill in him - resilience:

• To get through the tough times.  
  
  
• To know that they happen, but that they’re not permanent.
  
  
• To learn from them, wherever possible.

 
Resilience isn’t about shying away from tough times, or hoping they never happen.
 
It’s about knowing that when they do, we’ll get through them.
 
It might be tough, but we have support and resources. (And then using those resources!)
 
So that’s my wish for my son.
 
Not happiness every second of the day.
 
But resilience and strength to keep going.
 
However he can.
 
And I wish the same for you too!
 
If you’re going through a tough time, know that it’s not permanent.
 
Dig deep and find the resilience to keep going. It’s in there!
 
And if things are going well right now: Breathe. Enjoy it. You’re doing great!
 
Hugs to you all :)
 
Claire