It would be great if happiness were just there for us, without our
having to make any effort to achieve it. Many times it is; things happen
that bring us joy, and we didn't necessarily orchestrate those
situations. But there's another level to the happiness game that
requires effort, action, risk, and trust. This level involves the
unknown and all of its exciting and sometimes scary elements.
No one ever said pursuing happiness would always be easy. Often,
happiness is found outside our comfort zone, where we rarely like to
trek. In fact, our greatest happiness is found in our most deliberate
choices and endeavors. It's found in pushing the envelope of our
perceptions and faith. It's found in our willingness to let go of old
ways that are holding us back. It's found in entertaining the idea of
rearranging our lives so we can have that thing or experience we've been
eyeing for years but have been too afraid to reach out and touch. It's
found in ignoring our loud, negative ego that tells us we can't,
shouldn't, won't be able to, and will fail if we go for it.
Happiness is that thing we have to decide to have, in spite of
naysayers, fears, discomfort, lack of confidence, lack of details, and
perceived limitations. Happiness is that thing that sometimes requires
us to give up what's mediocre (read: safe) in our lives in order to get
the best. It's the big prize whose prerequisite usually involves our
passing some tests along the way, ones that show us just how committed
to our well-being we really are.
The reality is, you can't say you want happiness but be unwilling to try
things. Maybe you don't dive into the whole enchilada head-first,
though, if it's too scary. Maybe you nibble on it here and there. For
example, if you wanna travel to a place that would take 10 hours to get
to by plane, but you're afraid of flying, then maybe you plan a short
trip to a place you wouldn't mind visiting that's closer, where the
flight is, say, 2 hours. Chip away at your fear bit by bit. Work your
way up to a 10-hour flight. If you wanna go into a specific career but
you're not ready to chase that dream full force, then maybe you look
into doing some volunteer work in the field, or an internship that might
pay you. Or, if you can't do either of those things, maybe you seek out
people in the field and ask if they can show you around their work
environment and provide you with details that will help you assess the
option better. If you wanna relocate but you don't know where, then
start jotting down the conditions and type of environment you prefer
living in, do your research on places that match what's on your list,
and go visit. If your dream is to get a degree but the thought of
immersing yourself in the thick of school terrifies you, then maybe you
start off at a community college and build up those transferable units
over time. If you wanna do something like move on from an unhealthy
situation or person and you're finding it daunting, then maybe you map
out your exit plan by first examining your fears about leaving, and
making a concerted effort to quell them enough that you can make a move.
Make a pros and cons list about the situation. Write down all the ways staying is robbing you of your peace of mind, and all the ways leaving will bring you peace and freedom.
There are countless scenarios I could talk about, but the point is,
whatever you wanna do that you feel will be good for your soul and your
health, just know that whether the goal is big or small, you may have to
step out on faith and take your chances—jump out of the proverbial
parachute, so to speak—and trust the outcome. Happiness is not always
gonna magically be at your front door with a bouquet of flowers. There
will be times when you'll have to go get it, and you may need to move a
couple of mountains along the way.
Happiness is always yours for the taking. The question is: how much do you really want it?
Have a great week, and always remember to honor the spirit.
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