Saturday, 26 September 2015

Happiness doesn't depend on the things you want

"We can be grateful for music, silence, kind words, beautiful words, art, blank canvasses, space, night, sun, rain, amazing plants, animals..." - Jay Woodman

We often think that if only we had this or that, we would finally be happy. The truth is that all the things people want have little effect on the long-term happiness they derive as a result of obtaining these things. We tend to see material objects as a way of defining or creating a form of happiness that constantly eludes us, rather than enjoying the things we already possess and treating anything additional as a bonus, something that ads interest and variety to an already fulfilled life.

What things would make you happy? The fact that you need to ask yourself this question means that you need to examine your values and reassess your priorities. Material possessions will never have anything but a fleeting effect on your happiness, unless you’ve been denied basic necessities like food and decent housing. 

The rush of exhilaration you get from buying new things you’ve wished for may be real, but it doesn’t last very long. It’s a short-term thrill that has little or no impact on your overall happiness. If you want to experience real and long-lasting contentment, you need to acknowledge the good in your life now, the things that you often take for granted. We compulsively look for lack and shortages while forgetting the blessings, the things to be grateful for. 

The quickest and easiest way to develop an abundance mindset is to focus on what you’ve got, rather than complaining about the things you haven't got. Every morning and every night, think about all the things you’ve been blessed with in your life. Acknowledge them and express your gratitude in a way that makes sense to you. Some people like to say a prayer, but you could simply say thank you to yourself.

"When I wake up each morning, I praise the Lord for the gift of being alive." - Lailah Gifty Akita

With love,


Bella

Painting: 'Sea Shell' by Amy Lowell

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