Letters to Myself: Entry Fifty-Two
Prompt: What does true happiness mean to you?
A reflection on what happiness means to me; how all of us must master our inner selves to seize the happiness we deserve and are looking for.
To me, happiness comes in all forms, shapes and sizes; there are so many ways to obtain this experience because it is measured by the person who is experiencing the happiness. Happiness, at least I believe, is the measure of ones inner joy, finding elation in the things around them that they are experiencing; potentially, happiness could spread further, looking at the divine and the spirits around us. When one is experiencing the spiritual realm for happiness, that is tapping into something much more deeper.
I think, also, that happiness is measured by how one approaches life. When I have been approaching my life, in the past at least, I used to think I had all of the time in the world; I used to take for granted the moments I was having, and it can happen fast and frequently. Even right now it can be difficult to comprehend the moments and experiences that are passing by me. That is why it is important to find that happiness in those moments and to appreciate them; become self-aware enough to tell yourself you can enjoy the moments you are having. Personally, when I am experiencing a situation or experience that I might consider to be my happiness, I am acknowledging it so then I can enjoy the moment or experience.
Happiness is such a singular thing for the person who is experiencing it. For instance, if one finds happiness in showering, that is your experience that you value enough to be considered YOUR happiness; that this moment is deeply personal, that no one can take it away from you. I even think of smaller moments than showering as well; I think about the moments when I am walking in nature, as I am experiencing the joy of the birds, bugs, the trees moving back and forth, the breeze in my face, these are things that I can enjoy in the fullest way. When you are aware and can find that solace in the little things that bring you joy, continue to lean into that spiritual realm; because when you are conscious enough to recognize that even just the sounds of birds are giving you the upmost joy, why would you be looking away? Why would you not want to achieve that more and more often?
I used to think that money could buy you happiness, and it can help, but that is the true distinction here. When you have mastered your inner self, you start to look at money as the thing that drove you to so many issues; that money is giving you more stress and breaking down your inner solace. Destroying the growth you have created inside of you, when you should be looking out for that inner solace. And while I work to continue to get money, as we live in a society where it is necessary just to survive, being fixated on the dollar does not give you any sort of happiness.
I also recognize that it is harder for others to have this or find ways to not let this get to your head; however, it is good to remember to separate yourself from the means of the dollar. I say this to help shed light on that dollar vs. how one can actually achieve happiness in the mundane of life; that the things around you can give you the joy and the elation you are looking for. And here is a question, is there a situation where the dollar truly got you a form of happiness? Was it a temporary happiness? An in the moment elation feeling that could create a memory for you? Better yet, is it something long-lasting?
Good things to note here because when one starts looking at those separations, that is when you are able to humble yourself. There is no greater joy than humbling yourself to the point where you could have nothing; to restart the life that you are currently living, which is a scary concept. But life is meant to be in constant change; happiness comes from the changes we experience but also how we hold into the memories and constant reminders that give us the courage and motivation to keep moving through this life.
I have seen many people in this world show off their social status’, as if that is a form of comfort for them or wanting to show those who they care about the things that are going on in their life. I believe social media being used in the means that it is meant to be shared, then yes, seeing someone experience the elation of traveling the world, having children, getting married, starting a new relationship with someone, a new job, a new roommate situation, a new housing situation, you bought a new car, you got a new gadget, or my favorite, you got a new book; and more and more we go!
Celebrations like these are great for those who are experiencing them, and we should be excited for them instead of being selfish; the distinction between feelings and seeing those who are experiencing their own happiness. Prejudging someone and their situation is not only hurting your happiness, but it is tarnishing your good hearted nature inside of you that we all have. That is the inner happiness that is a constant; we must look out for it, and if you are not, then you are not taking care of yourself. You have to care of yourself otherwise you are putting yourself in fatal position. Either in health or striving forward.
It is good to recognize that finding the strength to master your inner self is going to gift you the happiness in your life. That is something I believe in fully because I wished so many people would have told me this long ago; that this life is meant to be scary and hard, that we were not meant to feel protected every moment, as much as we want that. That no one is going to come for you; finding that self inside of you takes a moment of courage and self-discovery. When one recognizes this citadel inside, start cleaning it up and taking care of it; after all, this is the one citadel you have, there is no selling or moving, it is all in one place. Make sure to clean up and look out for the emotions you are experiencing; catch yourself before it gets worse again. And know that overtime, you will become comfortable with who you are, meaning that your confidence will be exceeding, press into that further and see how far you can go.
This post is part of my "Letters to Myself" series — a weekly free-write blog where I explore personal growth, curiosity, and healing through simple prompts. Sometimes reflective, sometimes fun, but always real. Thank you for being here.
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Photo by Kyle Gare
