I’m not intelligent. I’m average. But, I’m considered successful and live comfortably for a North American. I have a few university degrees, with secure long term work in my field, an affordable home, a dependable car and all the trappings of middle class life.

Am I happy? I spent my young adult years hoping that happiness would arrive after finishing university, buying a new car, supporting myself financially, starting a career, getting married… it’s less of a “moving goal-post problem” and more a existential “what’s the larger point to life” and “what impact do I actually want to make”.

Having happiness as this ever elusive goal was more an errant wish than something measurably achievable.