Author of Manifestation Miracle
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Is Happiness Overrated?
Like everyone else, I’ve had my share of ups and downs. Life takes you on an emotional journey as you go through those character-building moments.
For every step in my evolution, I’ve experienced a series of incredible highs and humbling lows. Sometimes I’ll feel like I’m on top of the world, sometimes I’ll be down in the dumps.
But that’s all part of the game. I’ve accepted that I can’t feel the same always.
As much as I’d like to be happy all the time, that’s not realistic. Or healthy.
I’d rather go through a myriad of emotions if it means growing as a person. A little drama makes things more interesting, don’t you think?
Besides, that’s where the growth is. I know that I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for those ‘trial by fire’ moments.
I certainly didn’t feel awesome during those rough patches, but that doesn’t mean I’m not grateful for them.
I was mulling on the concept of the role of happiness in the human condition when I came upon a TED talk by Emily Esfahani Smith.
Entitled “There’s more to life than being happy”, she dissected the idea of what it means to be happy – and why it’s making people miserable.
Watch it here:
In her quest to find out what truly made people happy, she discovered an ironic truth. Emily says the data reveals that those who pursued happiness were more likely to go through depression.
She pointed out that suicide rates are going up in the United States (higher than they’ve been in the last three decades) despite the rising standards of living.
Clearly, there’s something wrong with this picture. According to Emily, there’s an emptiness “gnawing away” at people.
Then she dropped this revelation on the audience:
“According to the research, what predicts this despair is NOT a lack of happiness. It’s a lack of something else – a lack of having MEANING in life.”
So it got me thinking. I wondered why so many people desperately chase those fleeting moments of happiness in their lives.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a baseline level of stability. Needlessly defining your life with pain and suffering isn’t exactly an ideal way to live.
But some folks treat that specific emotional state as the end-all, be-all of their existence…
…and GIVE UP a deeper sense of meaning in their life in the process.
And what like Emily says, this is where the gaping emptiness comes from.
Like her, I’m of the opinion that chasing perpetual happiness is the path to misery. If I were a betting woman, I wouldn’t put my chips on whether I felt great or not at a given moment.
On that note, let me ask you something:
If you had the power to choose, would you rather have a so-so life – but devoid of any sadness and conflict…
…or would you prefer an interesting, more meaningful life filled with extreme ups and downs?
Chances are you’re already living the latter. And I’m guessing you’d rather wear those battle scars proudly.
They’re proof that you’ve come out stronger and wiser from the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
More importantly, it’s proof that you’re living a life of PURPOSE. According to Emily, this is one of the four pillars of meaning in life.
With a sense of purpose, you have something to LIVE for. And that beats any temporary feelings that fluctuate over time.
True happiness is NOT just about seeking PLEASURE or material comforts. That’s only icing on the cake.
Being genuinely happy is getting up in the morning to serve a higher purpose. Even if you go through hell every now and then, a deep-seated sense of meaning will keep you on your course.
Look back at everything you’ve gained and lost. Think of the learning experiences you’ve had the privilege of going through.
Those priceless nuggets of wisdom you’ve picked up are reminders of the meaningful life you have. The value you’ve put in this world came at a high price, but it was worth it.
You might lose your way and feel absolutely terrible every now and then. The next time you get into that funk, think about all the things you need to do, and the people you live for.
This is the fuel to your fire, the spring in your step. Living up to the role that only YOU can fill is full of challenges.
Yet, it’s the process of solving those dilemmas – both big AND small – that give your life meaning. And it enriches the lives of those around you in a multitude of ways.
Let this be your guiding star. Let meaning and purpose drive your life, then allow happiness as you can manage it.
Walking this path isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but it’s a fun ride you won’t regret.
By the way, if you want to learn how to manifest wealth, success, love, and happiness the Universe has to offer…
Then make sure that you join my flagship ‘Manifestation Miracle’ program if you haven’t already.
Follow this link for the full details: Manifestation Miracle
Love and kind wishes,
Heather Mathews
