Once upon a time there was a wealthy man who enjoyed traveling to exotic places. He was always looking for the next big purchase and exciting experience that would bring him happiness. "If only I had a better car then I would be happy. If only I went on vacation to the Egyptian pyramids then I would be happy."

The wealthy man was drinking his cold beer on the beach when noticed an ordinary man with plain looking clothes laying on the beach. This laying man wore simple clothes but he was extraordinary happy. In fact, he was the happiest man that he has ever seen in life.

"Why are you laying on the beach when you could be making money?" asked the wealthy man. "Why do I need to make more money?" asked the plain man. "So you can buy more things and have more luxuries. Then you can be happy." The plain man replied "I am not wealthy like you, but I am happy with what I have now. I already am happy and I already have everything that I need."

The wealthy man then realized that happiness is not dependent on external stimuli such as having a beautiful woman, or having the latest iPhone. Happiness is a state of mind. A man can be happy regardless of outside conditions. Happiness comes from appreciating and having gratitude for the many gifts that you have now.

Happiness is a state of mind.

You can be happy no matter what!