You can have a happy community inspite of hardship

Some say that there is so much sadness in the world today because most people have forgotten how to share their sadness, they have forgotten how to let their feelings out.
Is this a true reflection of the situation though?
Let us look at it from the viewpoint of just one small out of the way, corner of the world.
Oil City, Pa is one of the smaller communities in north western Pennsylvania, midway between Pittsburgh and Erie.
Born of Pennsylvania’s oil boom days, Oil City once boasted a large population and wealth beyond compare.
Today, its industry all but gone, and its population dwindling, and the poor rapidly outnumbering the wealthy; Oil City still manages to boast a high level of happy over sad.
How can this be?
How can a city, a people with so little compared to that which they once knew, be so happy.
The people of Oil City are not in the habit of, or known for sharing their sadness, and yet, they are happy.
How can this be?
Now it is not being suggested here that the people of Oil City never let their feelings out, in fact, they do, every day.
Sometimes they even let those sad feelings out, but contrary to the idea in the first sentence, this is not what makes them happy.
So if that is not it, then what is their secret?
Could it be religion?
There are many churches in Oil City, and plenty of religious folks to fill them.
It is true, religion does tend to make religious people happy, but not everyone in Oil City believes in GOD, nor is everyone religious that does believe in GOD.
And yet, those who do not believe in GOD, and those who are not religious are just as happy as the rest.
So even though religion on some level deserves credit, it is not the secret we are looking for.
Maybe good schools and wise leadership could be the reason.
Well, Oil City’s Schools and leaders are not the worst by far, but like any community, they do have their issues so that is not it.
How about low crime rate, could that be why Oil City is happy.
Unfortunately, that is not it either.
Oil City does have a low crime rate but we do have crime, and crime, low rate or high rate does not make one happy.
Well, no sense keeping you in suspense, you want to know why Oil City has such happy citizenry, here it is.
It is not because Oil City knows how to let their feelings out, and they do.
It is because Oil City knows how to let feelings in.
Oil City does not just share their sadness they also do not forget how to share their joy.
So, is Oil City the happiest place on earth?
Defiantly not, but one thing is certain.
Oil City is happier than some places with similar circumstances.
Is Oil City the only happy place on earth?
Not by far, but Oil City is one of many places that knows how to be happy in spite of hardship.
Will coming to Oil City make you happy?
It might, it might not, and that would depend on so many things.
But you do not have to come to Oil City to be happy.
All you need is to learn what Oil City among others has learned.
Learn to let your feelings out, and to let feelings in.
Share your sadness, and your joy.
Know what to let out and what to let in.
Have a happy day, from everyone in Oil City, Pa.