UNALIENABLE RIGHTS

As the clock strikes midnight and we step into a brand-new year, we’re all reminded of one simple truth — the pursuit of happiness is both a hope and a right of every American. It’s written into the very heart of America’s founding promise as contained in the Declaration of Independence: that every individual is endowed with certain unalienable rights, among them Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

As Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the 1776 Declaration said:

“Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.”

Each New Year’s Day, invites reflection, renewal, and a reaffirmation of that pursuit. It’s not just about resolutions; it’s about the deeper freedom to shape our own happiness — to live with purpose, integrity and gratitude. Happiness, after all, is not something granted by governments or circumstance. It’s something which each of us create through the choices we make, through our actions and the kindness we show towards others.  In the words of Mahatma Gandi:

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.“

In a world that often measures success by material gain, let this New Year reminds us to measure happiness instead by meaning — the laughter shared with loved ones, the help freely given to another and the freedom to live as your conscience dictates. Setting a worthwhile goal – big or small – and then going ahead and accomplishing that goal despite all reasons you cannot often produces tremendous happiness by accomplishing what you set out to do! As Benjamin Franklin pointed out:

“The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.“

Here’s to creating a year filled with love, liberty, laughter and the audacity to keep pursuing happiness until you catch it! 

Happy New Year!!