We all just want to be happy. Unfortunately, most of us don’t know what would make us happy: we’ll spend half our lives chasing materialistic rewards or social ranking only to be dissatisfied once obtained. Find out what makes you happy and don’t be tempted by what others tell you “should” make you happy. Marketers are especially good at this. I heard on an infomercial this morning that purchasing this product “Could be the start of a brand new you.” The product was makeup. How many people picked up the phone thinking “This is it! I’m going to buy some blush and my life is going to turn around. “ I wish!
But it’s really no different then thinking I’m going to buy a new car, outfit, house, whatever “it” is, and my life will be better. I marvel at all the “stuff” for sell, whether it’s blow up characters for the front lawn, clothes for the dog, gadgets, gizmos and gaudy junk. Merchandisers just suck the money right out of our pockets with the latest “thing” we just have to have. Why do we have to have it?
Because our neighbor has three enormous blow up characters in their yard?
Because the guy down the street is driving it?
Because a celebrity wore it on the red carpet?
No.
We want to be a happy, and everything we desire, we crave because we think it will bring us happiness.
This doesn’t just apply to materialistic wants. The same is true when we want to be thin, in a relationship, promoted, famous, attractive or powerful. The expectation is that any of these will accomplishments will lead us to the ultimate reward: Happiness.
So what makes me happy? Truly, purely happy.
- Hanging out with my family, talking, laughing - just being together.
- Reading a great book
- Watching a funny or romantic movie
- Seeing a baby smile and coo
- Snuggling on the couch with a fire
- Sitting on a patio swing at the cabin
- Spending time at the lake, boating, fishing or just lazing around
- Feeling appreciated
- Roller Coasters, especially when you get splashed
- Feeling beautiful
- Feeling proud and satisfied with something I’ve done
- Letting down my guard and playing, without worrying about how I look.
- Being spiritual
Obviously, driving to work in the most expensive car, working 80 hours a week to earn gobs of money or living in the biggest house, isn’t my definition of happiness. To me, the ideal is staying home, with my family, relaxed and safe, where I can read, watch movies and accomplish something I’m proud of. I need to be in a space where I can sit and enjoy fresh air, spend time in nature, near water and God and I have to incorporate fun into my life.
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