~ Henry Van Dyke
Many spend their day to day moments in the pursuit of happiness, like a search for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Many ask the question, what will make me happy? A new car, or new clothes.. a different job or partner or even a vacation. The questions continue, why can’t I just feel happy? What is wrong with me? Many look outward in search of the answer, or spend the day blaming unhappiness on those around them. My boss yelled at me and ruined my day, I’d be so much happier if I quit. The kids are driving me crazy, I can’t wait for them to grow up. The neighbor’s lawn is overgrown, how can they live like that?
Too many focus self worth and happiness on others opinions of them, and what they are doing and often spend too much time comparing their lives to their hundreds of Facebook friends that seem to have it all together, living lives filled with laughter and fun. What makes them happy?
How can anyone find happiness in a chaotic world, surrounded by material 'feel good' answers, comparing to each person who walks by and seeking validation of happiness from the outer world? Is it possible to focus inward, instead of outward, when being blasted with information and opinions through various media sources daily? Quiet is not our natural state, it is something we have to demand of ourselves. Is quiet the source of happiness or the vehicle to find it?
Quiet is necessary in order to look inward for problem resolution. It is there we find that pain, unhappiness and discontent is attributed to some form of non-acceptance or resistance to reality. Accepting and honoring the present moment, and allowing it to just be, can provide inner freedom from outward conditions, and lead us to a state of inner peace. The more accepting of the present moment, the more we are free from pain, unhappiness and suffering. Work with the present moment as if we had chosen it, be empowered, take control of you and seek answers from within. Your life may forever change, ultimately finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Happiness.
You don't need anything to be happy.The ultimate myth about happiness is believing you should place your happiness in things beyond yourself. People believe that happiness will come along when they get a new car, a new job, or a new relationship. But in the end these external sources of happiness are fleeting.
We are responsible for our happiness. We don’t feel our circumstances, we feel our thinking. So, let yourself experience happiness by thinking differently about life.
From deep down inside, consider what success means to you. Not the version of what other people want you to do, or what you believe based on social standards, but your personal definition of what a successful life would be. Many define success based on money, status and prestige. Not that these are inherently bad, but defining in these terms often leaves you stuck in a place of lack and insignificance, often getting in the way of personal growth. Appreciate life, live it to the fullest, contribute something to the world. Define yourself by something deeper than your career or possessions. You can enjoy the world while you are trying to change it. Success is more about the journey than the destination. When life is no longer enjoyable, it is time to assess the path we are on and what direction to take. We are more likely to reach greater success when we are driven by a deep and burning reason why.
Listen to your inner voice. Be inspired to pursue your dreams and discover the impact you are meant to have. Life isn't about what you can have, it's about what you have to give.
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