Your Pursuit for Happiness

 

When I hear people say “I really want the new iPhone” or “I really want a new car”, I assume that people believe material things will make them happy.  I have to admit I do it to myself as well.  A colleague once told me “more isn’t always better”.  This profound thought has stayed with me and has become more apparent to me as I get older.

As a college student, you might dream about that high-paying job and the luxuries the money will provide you.  You might even find yourself identifying specific toys or trips that you plan to indulge in when you “can afford it”.  The problem is you are focusing on the future versus living in the present.  We all fall victim to wanting more, but what if we started focusing on the present and what we have.

For example, consider the following.

• Are you in good health?  Think about someone you know who was recently diagnosed with a difficult illness or disease.  I am sure they would give anything to be healthy.
• Are both of your parents living? Think about someone who has recently lost a mother or father.
• Are you pursuing a college degree? Think about the millions of Americans who, for whatever reason, aren’t able to earn a college degree.
• Are you 18 years of age and a registered voter? Think about the men and women around the world who aren’t able to voice their opinions and vote.
• Does someone love you? Think about the thousands of people who feel alone, scared and estranged from family and friends. 

In the next year or so you will enter the “real world”.  Life will throw you curve balls and you might find yourself not as happy as you had imagined.  You might even reminisce about where you are right now in life.  When you start to fall victim to wanting more to make you happy remember what my colleague said “more isn’t always better”.  Consider who you are, where you are and what you are doing.  A simple change in your life might be the happiness you were looking for.

Comments

[Stavros]

Well.... they say that money can't buy you happiness and to some degree it's true. Until of coarse you are maxed out and minutes away from foreclosure. Or a natural disaster just took everything away and no one is coming to get you. You can preach all the philosophical tripe you like, but when the chips are down and it's your turn to be on the receiving end. Then a big pile of cash will create a whole lot of happiness.

[SocialSpud]

maybe i sounded a little jaded with my first comment.

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