I wonder: When we are born, are we given one key to happiness? Do we spend our time testing a whole ring of keys to find the right fit?

Over the course of my 50-some years on this planet, I have been a daughter, wife and mother. I have been a student, held a variety of jobs, and lived in a handful of states. Currently, I have a full-time job which supports me and I am creating artwork in my off time both as a side hustle as well as a form of broader communication.

Just after my divorce, I moved states and had to secure a new job.  There was this moment when I considered creating a series of self-portraits – in each, I would be an alternate version of myself. I thought about a few possible scenarios:  McDonald’s worker manning the drive-through window or customer service rep sitting in a cubicle with a headset on twiddling a pen. Paperboy? Dog walker?  

It’s never too late to be who you might have been.

George Eliot

Honestly, I think I could succeed in any of those positions. However, I come back to the idea that just because I could succeed, would I have a happy life?

There are times when I feel like my goal in life is to find that sweet spot, a place where magically all the planets align and life runs smoothly; when I am reaching my goals without challenge and there is love and money and success wherever I turn.  That’s the hazy future I chase.

Along the way to that happy future I have placed imagined markers; tasks or tangible actions that I have decided are indicators of success. For example, I want a future where I can thrive on selling artwork. I set up a schedule so I can create art daily, I made this website, got myself in a gallery; each of these elements are steps once listed as tasks that have been checked off my mental to-do list.

However, I become increasingly concerned that when I reach that imaginary end-line, will I truly be happy? 

As usual, I did a little digging on the internet to see if I can find expert opinions on what is the ultimate key to happiness. Most of the sites I came across indicate there is no one key – there are multiple keys – “10 Keys to Happiness”, “7 Remarkably Powerful Keys to Happiness and Success”, “4 Keys to Happiness: How to Find Your Purpose after 60.”

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful

– Albert Schweitzer

How its Made

This led me to research how keys and locks are made.  Have you ever noticed that keys look similar but are all slightly different? Each key has its own unique shape. The ridges on the key have to match their lock for it to work . There are many different types of locks, but the most common is called a pin tumbler lock.

Inside this type of lock there are pins inside shafts that when the correct key is inserted allows the pins to rise up and align properly inside the case. 

Following this symbolism, you are the lock and although there is only one key – it is comprised of different elements.  

However, in this world there exists Skeleton keys. 

I’ve used the traditional key hole design in the drawing of the Key – something you’d see in a bit and barrel type of lock. The type of key used to open this sort of lock – we think of as a Skeleton Key. But the dictionary defines a skeleton key as a key where a large portion of the bit is filed away to enable it to open many locks.  It is a Master key – also called a passkey. 

At the end of the day, I think that no matter which type of lock you think of yourself as being – you have options: find the correct elements to your individual and unique happiness or go find a master key.  

There is no key to happiness.  The door is always open.