As
adults, happiness can seem just like that butterfly, always just out of reach.
It becomes almost an obsession and the words “if only…” become an increasingly
large part of our thoughts and vocabulary. If only I had more money I would be
happy, if only I was in a great relationship I would be happy, if only I could
have a different job……….and the list goes on. Even if we achieve one of our “if
only “desires, the happiness we seek is still just out of our reach. The truth
of the saying “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”
becomes our focus and perception. If this becomes our focus, we find that
dissatisfaction and unhappiness increasingly keep growing in our life and
experience.
The
unhappiness within us cannot be completely satisfied by external events or
circumstances. To find happiness in life we must first be at peace with
ourselves internally. External events and circumstances can bring us happiness
in the moment, but they do not have a lasting effect on our inner self. Life
experience brings a mixture of good and bad circumstances to everyone. To rely
on life’s experiences for our source of happiness would mean living life in a
constant emotional roller coaster ride.
Happiness
comes from within. The inner contentment that survives the roller coaster ride
of life has its roots deep within our being. The source of happiness comes from
finding and embracing who we are as a person, and living a life of purpose. We
need to find peace in every aspect of our life- the physical, mental, emotional
and spiritual. To discover acceptance, purpose and peace in all of these areas
will give a sense of completion in life. If we neglect any one of these areas,
we experience a sense of emptiness and feel something is missing. There is not
a solid foundation for building happiness within, but we then, typically start
to try to fill this incompleteness by looking for outside solutions. That is
the point when we can fall into the ‘elusive butterfly’ syndrome, and
experience such frustration.
Is
happiness an elusive butterfly for you? Spend some time in quiet reflection.
Are you neglecting one of the four important parts of who you are and
experiencing a sense of emptiness within? The more you discover, embrace and
accept your uniqueness and purpose, the more you will experience the butterfly
of happiness alighting on your shoulder.
Some people are literally struggling to survive, to fight off infection, and to find shelter food and water. Government agencies, and national charities too, have a stated duty to help people on that base level of existence.
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