A teaching by Emily Esfahani Smith. The pursuit of happiness (a state of comfort and ease, feeling good at the moment; most often via success) is actually counterproductive as it could actually make you unhappy and lonely. Instead search for meaning in life. Our search for meaning in this life stems from a realization of our mortality and a resulting question: How do I live given the fact that I will die? According to Emily, a meaningful life is when you connect (belong to) and contribute (serve) to something beyond yourself (i.e. family, work, God etc.). People who have meaningful lives have one or more of the following four pillars: Belonging – the state of being in a relationship or group where you are valued for who you are intrinsically and you value others similarly. You are valued for who you are , not what you do, believe or have. You believe your life matters to others and vice versa. This springs from love. Learn to slow down to talk to others and treat the