“We know the things that make us happy; we just don’t do them.” These are the wise words of Matthew Kelly. This is the Great Modern Paradox.
So simple yet made complex by us.
So true yet we tell ourselves this is a lie.
“I do the things that make me happy!” We say.
Agreed, to a point. Surface happiness is different than the happiness found in our innermost being. Surface happiness is more readily available and not as hard to find. Surface happiness isn’t as lasting and can be quenched more easily.
What Mr. Kelly is speaking of here is the deep, fulfilling happiness that comes from being the best version of your self. It is the type of happiness that satisfies your soul.
I’m sure that I’m not the first one to admit that Kelly is right and that it easier said than done.
Sometimes we believe the lie that this happiness comes in the form of a trophy that we would expect to receive after finishing a race.
How many times have you heard someone say, “If I had a million dollars I’d…” or “If only I could have ______ then I’d be….”
Finding true happiness is a lot like putting together a puzzle. In this case, the puzzle pieces are the things that make you happy. Some are easier to find and put together than others. Certain things may be more challenging and harder to piece together. There will also be pieces that you can’t find right away – maybe they are lost or hidden from view. Regardless of the situation, in order to finish the puzzle you have to put all of these pieces together.
When you start to see that your happiness is like a puzzle, it makes it easier to understand why each part matters. Simple things like exercising consistently, sleeping regularly, eating properly, etc., are all part of the final project. These smaller pieces of our happiness become essential parts to finishing the puzzle – to creating lasting happiness.
There isn’t a trophy or a secret key that will unlock the door to your true happiness. It takes time, determination, lots of questioning, effort and patience. Puzzles weren’t created to be finished without putting a lot of thought and consideration into each move.
To continue reading this article from our partner, Quarter for Your Crisis, click here.
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