Happiness, and Being Content with Where You Are

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We often have the idea that our happiness is based on an external concept, such as where we live, what we do, and what type of car we drive. It could be attached to attaining a certain goal in our career, marrying by a certain age, or even becoming a homeowner by a specified point in time. No matter what the circumstance our “happiness goal” milestone is attached to, we have to remember that wherever you go, there we are.

It may sound cliche, but happiness is not elsewhere, it’s within you, and it’s up to you to realize that only you can make you happy. I used to be attached to the idea that I would only feel happy, whole and complete if I was in a relationship with someone. Being with a significant other does not equal happiness, and it’s unfair to the other person to place the burden of your happiness upon their shoulders. That’s just giving your power away. No one should have the responsibility of making you happy except yourself. Everyone’s road to personal fulfillment is different, and we must each walk that path alone.

I also used to believe that moving to another state would solve all my problems (I know, how delusional). I would fantasize about moving to Oregon, Texas, or Colorado where the people would supposedly be friendlier, the air cleaner, and the cost of living cheaper. Although the latter is mostly true, with some degree of variation between the states, moving to one of these states would not guarantee long-lasting happiness or success. This brings me to my main point about contentment. Contentment is a cultivated skill that can improve with focus and self-awareness. The first step to being content is to be grateful for what you do have in your life. Appreciate your loved ones, close family members, friends, and significant others. Appreciate your cat, a roof over your head, and food on the table.

That’s just for starters, but we do have so much to be grateful for in life. What helps me stay content is having the perspective that I’ve come a long way in my own personal growth journey from a lost, unfocused person who was at the whim of life’s happenstance, to the creator of my own reality. Having the realization that I can design my life, and seeing that taking massive action yields measurable results, empowered me. I believe that like me, many people fall victim to chance because they do not have clear intentions or life goals. Because of this (and you can think of this on a quantum level where thoughts create our reality) an individual will not attract what it is that their soul truly desires. Setting crystal clear intentions and taking inspired action towards accomplishing one’s desired goals will bring the most favorable outcome to you. The reason for this is because when you take action and follow your dreams, help will find you in unexpected ways.