Many people mistakenly believe that the bigger the conquest, or the more fantastic the event, the happier they should be.
That's not necessarily true.
When we think about our lives, what moments do we cherish? Simple activities like playing with our kids, experiencing a fun date, singing karaoke, or having the sense of accomplishment when we paint a picture, finish a report at work, or make a sale to a difficult client are small but stellar events for many people. Dozens of things might make us happy. Sometimes the things that society tells us we should revel in — a big car or fancy and expensive knick-knacks, for example — don't fill the void in our hearts. The people we know and the way we handle situations in our lives give us satisfaction, not the material things or intense competition with other people.
The culmination of millions of moments makes up our lives, and it's up to us to make the most of each of these moments. Most of us have so much for which we should be grateful. That sounds silly, but after a great crisis or illness, we realize the value and beauty of sunsets and mountains, of playing with the cat, or picking flowers. A lot of people envy others' big, powerful jobs, but there's a price tag that goes with those jobs that may not be worth it for a lot of people. At the end of the day, neither good looks or fame, nor big money guarantees happiness. Joy comes from within — from appreciating the beauty of the event or the song or the thing itself. The search for status and revenge often leads to an empty life. True happiness comes from a much deeper place. You can't try to be happy. You can't force it. A good life stems from an effortless road. When you walk down the right path, you'll know it.
Happiness means different things to different people — one man's meat is another man's poison and all that. In this busy, superficial world, it's refreshing to realize the comfort in the small things, to realize the true joy we have without all the trappings of modern life. A lot of unhappiness comes from comparing ourselves to others. This is particularly harmful to creative people; negative emotions can block the creative process. If we take charge of the small things, then and only then can we appreciate the big things. Everything in the long run is equally important.
If we write a page a day, at the end of a year we'll have a novel. If we start by walking a few blocks a day, eventually we will have enough stamina to walk a few miles.
Everything adds up — so don't neglect the small things.
© 2000, 2003 All Rights Reserved
Bio:
Marianne Moro is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her writing has been featured in Manifest Way.com, Aquarius/Sign of the Times, Aribella.com and in many other publications and websites. She works part-time for a film trade magazine, and considers New Orleans her "home away from home."
Marianne can be reached at: Vkjade@aol.com
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