What is essential
Many of us feel we need to build our happiness in the future. We have goals, some of them vague and others well-defined, that we may feel must be met in order for us to be happy at some point.
We may want love, children, career, possessions, experiences, better health, weight loss, fame, or recognition. Chances are, if we did achieve our goals, we found find that another goal had taken their place. We would have dreamt up something else required for our happiness.
This mindset leaves us chasing after something we’ll never completely realize. We feel incomplete if all our conditions for happiness aren’t met, so we lose our opportunity to enjoy the present.
It can be helpful, if we’re stuck in that pattern, to take an honest evaluation of our current lives. What is working? What isn’t? How can we celebrate the good things right now? What actions might we take immediately to help ensure better outcomes?
And what are the absolute basic things we need to be happy in the present? Reasonable health? Safe shelter? Companionship? Adequate food and drink? Respect? Activities and experiences that engage our joy and imagination?
This all sounds fairly basic, and it is. Everything else above and beyond is nice and desirable, but not essential.
If that’s the case, what prevents us from being happy in the moment? Only our thoughts and perceptions separate us from enjoying the present.
Today’s message reminds me that very little in life is actually needed for me to be happy. When I recognize this and am grateful for what I do have, life feels immediately more fulfilling.
Please reflect and share. What is essential for your happiness?