As we take a look at our modern-day lifestyles, we will notice that it is often difficult to find the time for even a simple hobby that we enjoy doing because it is too time consuming. Our time is constantly in use for one thing or another, and sometimes it seems as if the process is never ending.

Whether it is one's occupational work or work at home, our time is completely consumed, unless, of course, one can afford to have servants perform all of the tasks that are necessary in order to run a functional household while he focuses on occupational needs. Nevertheless, the time will be consumed.

In my opinion, the reason for the madness begins with the way that we were brought up, how we view life and its meaning. At home, in school, and within society at large, since we were children, we were told that our lives are given meaning if they are filled with success and that our aim should be to achieve success.

The way we were told to view success is that each individual may choose a path for his own life, and no matter which path that individual may choose, he should become the success story of that field. In other words, what makes life worth living is being a successful individual in the field that was chosen. With this in mind, if we realize that there are always greater achievements to be attained, this individual will never really feel successful because there is always more to be completed, meaning, this person will never be happy.

As a result of this, we find ourselves with absolutely no time on our hands because we are always trying to become more and more successful. This is why I feel that it is important to take a step back and zoom out in order to look at the big picture and then decide what success really means to us.

Another very important point to make note of is the idea that although there are plenty of people in society that we view as successful individuals, very few of them claim to have reached a point where they are happy with their lives. In contrast, there are other cultures that preach different ideas about what happiness and success should mean to us, and they have many more individuals who claim happiness than sadness.

There have been studies performed on Amish communities throughout the United States that show that many of the Amish are by far happier working within gazebos with chickens in coops and growing crops and livestock as opposed to working in urban environments.

They are of the opinion that a simple life can make being a successful individual a much easier task, which will lead to self satisfaction and happiness. This can only be accomplished when one embraces a life of simplicity and leaves all the hustle and bustle behind.