They could have the kind of life others can only dream of -- a bank account flush with cash, a loving spouse, sterling health, wonderful kids, a capacious house, an enviable career.
But it's just never enough.
They need the latest iPhone. They feel compelled to whip up drama in their relationship once they go too long without having an argument with their partner. They grow bored of every job after six months, despite the fact they're paid handsomely and have nothing to complain about in the workplace.
These hard-to-please individuals will be perpetually dissatisfied until the day they realize that life isn't about having the most or best of everything, but about making the most of what one has.
That's not to say that one can't strive to achieve goals and better their station in life. After all, whether we wish to launch our own business, learn a new language, or pen a best-selling novel, no one is going to pursue our dreams for us.
But if one's driven to seek out a newer phone or watch only for the sake of keeping up with the Joneses, or because they're simply trying to fill a void in their life, they will only continue to court discontent.
The happiness we derive from material stuff is fleeting.
When we look back on our lives in old age, will we be thinking about the toys we owned?
No, we'll reflect upon those special moments spent with family and friends that captured our hearts.
Granted, a fun-filled trip to the Cayman Islands certain makes for great memories, but it doesn't come cheap.
But no one says one needs to take an expensive vacation to have a memorable time. Study after study has found, in fact, that experiences bring people far more happiness than mere material possessions.
Why?
Because while material objects can break, tear, or rust, a fantastic experience can be treasured in the heart and mind for a lifetime. And while specific details can be lost to memory and old age, pictures and videos come in handy when the urge to reminisce strikes.
Life is perfect for no one.
There will always be someone out there who's richer or better looking.
But does it matter? It's up to us to make the most of the life we've been given.
The irony of it all is that the more you seek, the less you seem to find. Sometimes all it takes to appreciate what we have is to look around and count our blessings.
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