Certified So: Redefining Happiness
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Note From Author

I

t all began with an accident.

Visiting in a cozy living room, I offered a comment about the source of total contentment that surprised even myself. What if, I asked, our peace of mind can be derived from what we don't have?

I hadn't intended to ask that question, nor did I envision the chain of events that soon occurred. This accidental question led right to the root of what we all want . . . happiness. My paradigm was shifting. I started to view happiness in a new light. I began to understand how it propagates, and where it goes when it hides. Instead of accidental, now my passing comment seemed more providential!

As I shared my discoveries, others agreed. They wanted me to write my thoughts down, but every attempt was like attacking a sealed can of chili with a spoon. Three years passed and I was on the verge of giving up, when another "accident" occurred. A question in my email inbox, which simply said: "I will be joining the Church of Satan in two weeks. Do you think that is a good idea?"

Nearly seventy emails ensued. Halfway through I knew I had to wait until the person I was writing to decided what to do. For