Taking it to heart, instead of for granted

[hopefulecynic]

We live in a generation full of misconception about what we deserve and should expect out of life.

Sure we can bring up the starving children in Africa, but that is not relative to us on a deep enough level to envoke change and if were honest, remorse.

We think we deserve to be rich, spoiled, famous and worshipped. We think happy is a series of steps ending with a the ultimate goal of having enough money, a big house, a great girl or guy an awesome job 1.8 children...the list goes on.

But how many times do we end on goals just as empty as when we began the first steps?

We entitle ourselves to happiness but only after we earn it. We lose touch with humanity and start a "all about me mentality". But the inward focus on one's self is empty, vain, shallow and disatisfying. We've all heard about people who have everything, throwing it all away because inspite of the fact that they have everything anyone could dream of, they lack the most important thing. Inner peace

The more emphasis we put on achieving rather than experiecing and connecting, the more of ourselves we lose to the "ideal situation" that never seems to arrive. Our shallow perceptions attract people with like minds.

We find ourselves surrounded by an ocean of empty lives that reflect our own, but look oh so great from the outside.

It's about connection with the "NOW" You have nothing nor will you ever have anything else but right now.

The only happiness that exists is in this moment. There is no future happiness or peace that can be built without laying the foundation right here.

Take it back to what matters.

In our early years as a child all that mattered was right now, we made friends instantaneously and played for hours without a care in the world, it wasn't about the next step, it was about the one we were taking right then.

It wasn't about money or social status, it was about experiencing the world and coming back to a safe place at the end of the day where we were happy to just be ourselves exactly the way we are.

It's the basics that make up a fulfilled life. Connecting with and caring for the people around us. Giving and recieving affection, taking on a spirit of gratefulness to just be alive, able and loved in the moment we are living.

It's almost to easy and that is precicely why it is so hard.

Goals, dreams and aspirations make up the fire in our bellies. But the lack of enjoyment to just be able to take in and absorb the richness of the process makes all of it for nothing.

It's all about how we get there, not where we end up. Happiness is a state of mind.

[Anonymous]

Interesting Take