If we go for what we think we want, how can we be guaranteed of a happy outcome?

Last night I was unpacking a box which was sealed a few years ago, and came upon a card with the beautiful Desiderata written on it.  Here it is below, may it echo in your mind when a decision calls you to make the right choice.

Regarding making the right choice... have been fascinated lately with this Law of Attraction puzzle; How do we know if what we want- a trip to Paris, a bit of chocolate, that new job- will really bring us happiness?  If we go for what we think we want, how can we be guaranteed of a happy outcome?

Do you know the answer?

I was stumped!  And the question was pressing on me.  How could i know- in advance- if enjoying a few days wandering Paris...  soaking up the autumn sunshine, discovering boutiques and beautiful ideas and munching fresh boulangerie artisan, would be a happy and valuable journey... or just fraught with mishaps and ultimately unfulfilling?

then I discovered, through a random Abraham-Hicks quote, the answer.  And it's going to help me from now on in, with any craving that may arise.

"If the craving comes from an idea that feels good, that inspires and is joyous, a happy outcome is assured.  If it comes from a feeling of emptiness, reaching to fill a hole or compulsion that we should or must do it, then it'll be a struggle", the Law of Attraction reminds us.

Of course!  When in doubt, listen to the feeling. 


DESIDERATA

...go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth, quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and agressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for always there will seem greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.  But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons stive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.  Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all arricity and disenchantment, it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.  But do not distress yourself with imaginings. 
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.  Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe; no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.  And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever your labours and aspirations; in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.  With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.


Be careful.  Strive to be happy.