Tao de Haas posted on September 23, 2011 01:15
What do you long for? What do you think will really make you happy? Fame? Fortune? Unlimited leisure?
Imagine that I could wave a magic wand and make all your dreams come true. Well you certainly would be excited and euphoric, but how long do you think these feelings would last? Forever? The adaptation principle tells us that it does not last. You will gradually adapt to your new circumstances and soon your situation becomes ‘normal’ again. So while the new situation might fill a void short term, it certainly does not fulfill you in the long run.
Yes it is official, you can’t buy happiness!
The consistent finding from dozens of studies show that no matter what you think will make you happy, once you've adapted to that situation, it bears little relation to your happiness. We also know from these extensive studies that enduring happiness doesn't come from "making it" let alone from accumulating stuff. So if that is true, then actively pursuing happiness, hoping it will lead to fulfillment, excitement or even a permanent state of euphoria, is indeed like chasing clouds in the sky. You will become more frustrated and unhappy because the clouds will not indulge you in your illusion...your pursuit only fuels your discontent. Instead of accepting we can’t catch clouds, most people just try harder and the more clouds they see, the more determined they become.
You are the one you are looking for
It’s often the people that are most unhappy within themselves that seek happiness from outside themselves. So if you want to feel happier, content and fulfilled don’t look where it can't be found.
Stop chasing clouds. Instead pursue the enormous wealth within yourself; uncover it, unlock it and develop it. There is so much richness and so much gold to mine within you – so much more than you realize. You will never find happiness by looking outside yourself, no matter how glittery and shiny things may appear. Set yourself free and stop pursuing happiness in the outer world. Happiness and fulfillment are the result of who you are, not what you have or what you do.
Take the road less travelled
The road to finding happiness in the material world is a well-trodden path. Whilst it is seductive and you will certainly have plenty of company, it only leads to discontent and disappointment. Happiness is not and cannot be achieved by getting something that you don’t currently have, but rather from recognizing and being grateful for what you do have.
When you choose to stop thinking about what is missing from your life and instead focus on the abundance that is present... you will experience heaven on earth. There are times that we all need reminding that ‘the most important things in life are not things at all’.
Be conscious of the road you are travelling on and remember you can change direction at any time.