Superior Substances to Happiness
I hear it all the time, ” I just want to be happy,”
or,
” I am doing this because it t makes me happy.”
We all make life decisions that are based on this concept of trying to stay happy. It is human nature to chase this and want to stay there.
There is one little problem.
If you are seeking happiness yet avoiding discomfort, difficulty, or pain at all costs, you may have momentary feelings of happiness that come and go but you would also end up feeling empty and unfulfilled and living a somewhat shallow life.
If you do not believe me, think about the concept of giving birth. Everyone knows that the birthing process is difficult and painful. Every woman knows this yet they willingly accept the process of giving birth because they know that it will result in something meaningful and that it is worth going through. To bring forth another life is so miraculous and fulfilling and it leads to life satisfaction in the long run.
Or, what about a toddler who is learning to walk. They will fall, hit their head a few times, and skin elbows and knees while they are learning. Would it be beneficial to avoid walking because the learning process is difficult or painful? Are the bumps and bruises and momentary feelings of unhappiness worth it?
Of Course, They Are!
They are worth it because every time the toddler falls or gets hurt, they are learning and developing balance and coordination, their muscles are getting stronger, and they are understanding how their body moves and what does and does not work. This is such a valuable process and it would be a detriment and even ridiculous to avoid this and never learn to walk.
My point is,
it is not always beneficial to avoid pain and difficulty. You may miss out on something that would add to your life after having gone through it.
If you have believed that staying happy is the end goal, I want to share some alternatives to happiness, some greater substances that last long term and are not conditional on happy circumstances.
There is Something Better, Stronger, and More Enduring!
- Contentment/Satisfaction/Fulfillment
These are states of being that are not circumstantial. They are greater and richer in substance and can be maintained and sustained through any experience or situation, whether good or bad. It is possible to have fulfillment, satisfaction, and contentment all the time.
Now, these are real substances!
They are not attained through the avoiding pain, striving for happiness mentality. They are cultivated through thankfulness, accepting a process that may be unpleasant or difficult, and persevering through until you come out the other side.
These inner substances are greater becasue they make it possible to recognize that our life has meaning and purpose, regardlesss of our circumstances and to see all of the good, even when going through a difficult time.
So, instead of seeking and striving for happiness, broaden your perspective, face whatever cicumstances come your way, embrace the growth process, and open your heart and mind to fulfillment, satisfaction, and contentment. These last and really produce better fruit, both within and out.
I will be sharing more next week so check back in for the next substance that is superior to happiness. I cannot wait to share the next one.
Subscribe to get my new posts right away!
Be well, live well,
Wellbeing Expert, Holly Malmsten
holly malmsten 