Lately I've been pondering happiness. Not my happiness, really, but happiness in general. Happiness can be so fragile, and what combination of things makes one happy?
Wait, let's back up a second. Things don't make people happy, do they? I've never been a person who had to have the hot item or the newest gadget. Commercials make it seem like having the latest phone can lead to euphoria, or drinking a Diet Coke can lead me to break out dancing (which no one wants to see). I do believe that for each person, there are material goods that can enhance contentment. If I have a hobby, something related can lift my spirits for a bit. I'm a huge baseball fan, and being able to listen to any game makes me relax, so I have a subscription for the MLB At-Bat app.
I remember being a kid and thinking that Christmas morning would be so great. Gifts under a tree, gifts, gifts, gifts for me, what could be better? And it was nice, but for how long? Those He-Man action figures were fascinating for a while, but the imagination only goes so far. The years pass, the action figures get sold or handed down, and it's on to the next thing. And as an adult? The time spent with family seems so much more important than whatever someone bought.
So if material things aren't the key to happiness, what then? Friends, loved ones, and family come to mind. Feeling like part of a family or a circle of friends can provide fuel, but that's still relying on other people. How does a person build happiness for him/herself?
My thought: I don't think it is done alone. I think a person needs love and faith and connection to make his/her inner voice one to rely on. What you hear from others feeds your inner monologue, and that's why it's so important to realize that kindness is so important for the world. Spread the word of love and patience and encouragement. Make other people in your life feel valued, so that they realize that whatever they're about to face is doable and attainable. Put a hand on their back when they don't understand. Realize that it's human not to get everything the first time.
There's so much ugliness out in the world. More than ever, people (and especially children) need to know that there's love and not just division. More than ever, people need to step away from the devices that bring them that other world, where trolls seek to jump on anyone with whom they disagree.
Happiness is fragile. Make sure kindness is out there to protect it.
Wait, let's back up a second. Things don't make people happy, do they? I've never been a person who had to have the hot item or the newest gadget. Commercials make it seem like having the latest phone can lead to euphoria, or drinking a Diet Coke can lead me to break out dancing (which no one wants to see). I do believe that for each person, there are material goods that can enhance contentment. If I have a hobby, something related can lift my spirits for a bit. I'm a huge baseball fan, and being able to listen to any game makes me relax, so I have a subscription for the MLB At-Bat app.
I remember being a kid and thinking that Christmas morning would be so great. Gifts under a tree, gifts, gifts, gifts for me, what could be better? And it was nice, but for how long? Those He-Man action figures were fascinating for a while, but the imagination only goes so far. The years pass, the action figures get sold or handed down, and it's on to the next thing. And as an adult? The time spent with family seems so much more important than whatever someone bought.
So if material things aren't the key to happiness, what then? Friends, loved ones, and family come to mind. Feeling like part of a family or a circle of friends can provide fuel, but that's still relying on other people. How does a person build happiness for him/herself?
My thought: I don't think it is done alone. I think a person needs love and faith and connection to make his/her inner voice one to rely on. What you hear from others feeds your inner monologue, and that's why it's so important to realize that kindness is so important for the world. Spread the word of love and patience and encouragement. Make other people in your life feel valued, so that they realize that whatever they're about to face is doable and attainable. Put a hand on their back when they don't understand. Realize that it's human not to get everything the first time.
There's so much ugliness out in the world. More than ever, people (and especially children) need to know that there's love and not just division. More than ever, people need to step away from the devices that bring them that other world, where trolls seek to jump on anyone with whom they disagree.
Happiness is fragile. Make sure kindness is out there to protect it.
