Don't Pursue Happiness

Learning to live life well is hard. 

Our nature is prone to self-comfort, self-promotion, and most assuredly happiness.

We get wrapped up in ourselves. And let me tell you, it’s harder to clean up a house that has been TP-ed in the rain than to take our focus off ourselves.

But isn't life all about us anyway? Don't we matter?? Is it not ALL ABOUT ME?? Who's going to make me happy if I don't?? What if things go WRONG and God forbid, I'm UNHAPPY??

I’m fighting against the foundation of American culture here, but it must be said.

Do not pursue happiness. #boom

Before you stop reading, let me say that you can still be happy even if you don’t pursue the euphoria.

Actually, you will find yourself much, much happier when you don’t.

Not passive, situational happiness. This is a happiness by choice.

How do I choose happiness?

I focus on living life well, even when I fail. And having grace for myself and others when I do. (Side note: I can't do it in my own strength. There's this omnipotent being that I have a personal connection with...you could call it a soul-link....He helps me out.)

I always try to say the right things, do the right things, and be the right person. Don't get me wrong, I truly desire to do right. But the past few years have shown me that there is so much happiness, nay JOY to be had if I simply took the time to choose it...to LIVE it.

The fascinating thing about happiness is that it is not an end unto itself, but a lovely and delicious reward for pursuing the things that REALLY matter.

God.

People.

(Side note: Guess what isn't listed? Things.  Fight back against the materialism in this world! Live more simply. It will make you HAPPIER! Fact.)

I think we can all agree that life is messy. And hard. And often ugly and not anything like we thought it would be.

That’s ok. I think you’ll find that the happiest people aren't the richest, or the best looking, or the smartest.

They are people who know that happiness isn't found on Ebay, or in that one elusive perfect relationship, or even in their own accomplishments.

I stopped looking for happiness, and decided to make it, for myself, by living a life of purpose beyond me.

What does it look like?

Right now it looks like this:

Being a foster mom to rescue puppies from a local shelter.

Taking people to lunch just to share life.

Dropping off needed supplies to local non-profits.

Calling people on the phone instead of stalking their Facebook.

Reading books that challenge me intellectually, even out of school.

This list isn't mean to glorify my current endeavors. The point is this: living a life on purpose is so much more fulfilling than jumping from one happy high to another.

Take some time to think about how you can do things you enjoy with a purpose.

Love sports? Sign up to be a volunteer coach. Or support a local team. Or join one.

Love animals? Contact your local shelter and see where you can help out.

Love people? Pour into the ones you live with first. Then be intentional with the ones in your community. And graciously love the people you barely come in contact with. Remember: “You've never met a mere mortal.” (C.S. Lewis)

Love food? Start a “Foodie Club” with your friends and try new foods!

Love traveling? Plan a weekend retreat and invite anyone who wants to come. Be a tourist in your own town, if you’re on a budget.

Love music? Support local musicians by actually going to their gigs. It means so much to have a friendly face in an audience.

Love art? Learn to appreciate it by going into a studio and asking the artist questions on how they create. They will really appreciate it.

Love feeling good about yourself? Take time for self care. Find an exercise you love to do. Eat healthily. Learn to dress your body type, and how to wear makeup well. And remember: you are not just a physical being.
Love spending money? Spend it on other people.

You get the idea. Take what you would usually pursue as a happiness-entity, and go beyond that. Push your expectations, and broaden your horizons. It could be life changing, for you or someone else.

Be cognizant of opportunities to bless people. And TACKLE those opportunities #likeaboss.

Good things happen there. God things happen there.

Be a blessing. And be blessed.
Create happiness.