“If happiness is dependent upon obtaining something you desire, you may get what you want; but, you will continually be in search of what is missing.”
I woke up with this thought about happiness already crafted in my head. It is scary when the brain delivers a good morning message with such a clear and concise philosophical directive. This shows my brain has been actively processing the past few weeks’ studies as I have been examining concepts around our quest for joy — which, for me, reflects the ultimate in peach and happiness.
When I get lost in the trivialities of the present, much of it is centered around something I desire, want, or believe I need. It can be a material gain or it can be the struggle to solve a problem for which I believe there has to be an immediate and concrete solution. The time and energy wasted worrying, craving, living in fear, or in perceived lack only blocks ones ability to live in peace, joy, and happiness. It focuses incredible time and effort on something that returns little positive energy even if the problem is solved or the possession acquired.
Making the problem go away does not mean there won’t be another similar issue. Obtaining the material gift does not eliminate the insatiable desire for more. Hence, the circle of negative force continues and works against us.
The key to peace, joy, happiness is celebrating, appreciating, and enjoying the present — who we are, what we have, and what we offer. If we look for them, it is not hard to discover lack, want, need, or pain in our lives. That is an obvious component of life if that is how we desire to live our life.
It is even more powerful, inspiring, and energizing to embrace our life for what it is — celebrating the incredible opportunities we are offered to use our intellect, our gifts, and our experiences to make a difference in those around us and in our own life.
Next time you find yourself trying to will a problem away or craving something, step back and smile. Give thanks for the gifts in your life — friends, family, talents, wisdom, and experience. Then, get moving and focus on celebrating what you have, who you are, and where you are going. I am quite confident you will be happier because of it.
