Have you ever wanted something so much that you became obsessed with achieving it to the point of making it the center of your world? Do you often think that only if you attain your goals you could be truly happy and fulfilled?
During my life, I was doing just that. I was measuring my happiness with my achievements. I was focused on getting my college degree and finding a high-paying job and I thought that these things would give me the life I’ve always wanted to have.
But even after I got all those things I craved; I wasn’t happy. I only felt that I must do something more, to achieve more things. I thought that if I achieved more amazing things that then I will be happy.
I didn’t realize that while I was so focused on pursuing happiness, I forgot myself. I forgot that true happiness is within us and it is not hidden in material things or personal achievements.
Every person wants to be happy. That is the goal of life. However, what is usually happening is, we often think of happiness as a destination, while forgetting that we should be happy every day of our journey.
My mistake was that I was directing all my attention and energy in pursuing my goals while forgetting how to find happiness and joy in day-to-day life. I forgot the importance of all the little things that make our life worth living.
Yes, my vision for the future was on point. I was always imagining to be surrounded by my loved ones, my family. But, in reality, I was not. I was distancing myself from them whenever I felt they are not approving my choices. Also, I was so obsessed to obtain my goals that I didn’t have time to spend with them.
I was so busy chasing after my idea of the ‘perfect life’ that I was destroying myself in the present moment. Whenever I failed at doing something, I was beating myself up, thinking that I am unworthy and incapable. I wasn’t loving myself. I was hurting myself in the hopes of a better tomorrow.
My energy was depleting. My soul was tired. I was unhappy.
That’s when I realized that it doesn’t matter how much you’ve accomplished. It doesn’t matter how many things you have if you are not happy.
Happiness means different for different people, but the crucial thing is loving yourself and caring about yourself. It is realizing that your life, as imperfect as it is, it is perfect just the way it is.
Stop chasing after happiness. Be happy NOW.
“Today might not be perfect, but it’s a perfect day to feel happy.” ~Lori Deschene
