“There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be…” ― John Lennon
Too many times, I’ve heard people say things like “I’ll be the happiest when I relocate”, “I’ll be happy when I get that job”, “I will be happy when I build/buy my house” or “I’ll be happy when I get married”. It doesn’t always work that way – more often than not, when you achieve these things, you find that you are not as happy as you thought you’d be.
The reality is – and science confirms it – that when we reach these goals, our happiness levels quickly returns to their baseline. It is true that happiness often leads to success, but success does not always lead to happiness.
People tend to wish away the present moment hoping for something better. Our inability to appreciate the moment we are in often leads to anguish and disappointment, because we’re certain when we get what we want, we’ll be happy. Yet, when it arrives there’s always another desire waiting to take its place. We’re in the business of wanting or demanding more, since it is human nature to seek what is lacking in our lives. But the problem is, we become fixated on wanting and desiring, instead of appreciating what is before us. Hence the cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
“Happiness, not in another place, but this place…not for another hour, but this hour.”
― Walt Whitman
Here Are 3 Things You Need To Do To Appreciate Life & Be Happy Wherever You Find Yourself
1. Appreciate the Little Moments in Life
As humans we tend to overlook “little victories”. Don’t be too focused on achieving your goals that you miss some of those little but important moments along the journey. As an example – don’t be so focused on building that house that you forget to invest in the family you plan to share the house with or don’t be so focused on getting a Diploma that you forget to make friends and build relationships while in College.
“One conscious moment of introspection can yield huge lifelong benefits; simply by breaking old patterns of disbelief, and courageously believing — knowing — that you are meant to be here, and that your life has meaning,” – Robbie Vorhaus
2. Live in the Moment Sometimes
I am a ‘Big Goals’ person – I like to drive ‘Big Goals’, my wife tells me “Calm Down”. Well, I do calm down sometimes, I take it easy a bit – this is necessary because life keeps moving, changing and evolving. Be deliberate! Take out time to do something for yourself that you genuinely love and enjoy. Take yourself out on a treat. Appreciate yourself and everyone in your circle.
“We spend precious hours fearing the inevitable. It would be wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends and living our lives.” ― Maya Angelou
3. Be Grateful Without Limits
Whilst you are probably complaining about where you are and where you want to be – comparing yourself with other people, there are Millions of people that would rather be where you are – so be thankful.
When you cultivate that attitude of gratitude, you re-frame your perception of the world and tend to see limitless opportunities.
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” – Eckhart Tolle
Spend a few minutes in the morning, afternoon and just before you go to bed, reflecting on at least 3 things for which you are grateful for daily.
Happiness is never a function of your location, achievement or destination. Endeavour to be happy always!
Remember, You Have Only One Life to Live, MAKE IT COUNT!
