Doing this can lead to major unhappiness

Without even realizing it, some people get into the hard-to-shake habit of always trying to find something to nitpick about their lives.

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.

Comments

Do you have Isolophilia? Find out...

You're probably asking yourself, "What in the world does Isolophilia mean?" It sounds like it would be something negative, doesn't it? After all, words that end in "philia" (e.g., pedophilia) tend to involve things we want nothing to do with. But Isolophilia isn't something all people deplore. In fact, introverts like me welcome it. Put simply, Isolophilia is defined as having a strong affinity for solitude. It describes a person who relishes being alone. While extroverts can only take so much solitude, we introverts find that it rejuvenates us. In order to recharge our batteries, we need to retreat to a quiet environment where we we're left alone to rest and/or gather our thoughts. Extroverts, on the other hand, become bored and drained when they're alone for a lengthy period of time. Social interaction is the fuel that drives them. So while an extrovert would probably do anything to avoid feelings of Isolophilia in most cases, an...

No response from someone IS a response

Make no mistake about it: When you don't get a response from someone -- whether they fail to answer your texts or return your phone calls -- it is still a response, and a powerful one at that. When a person fails to respond, it's a direct reflection of their interest -- or lack thereof -- in the relationship. Few things are more aggravating than having to hound a partner, friend, or relative for some sort of reply after we've reached out to them. Yes, we get busy from time to time, but that doesn't give anyone the right to leave the other person hanging. A terse text with something like "Been busy, will reach out soon" doesn't say much, but at least it shows some effort to bring the other person up to speed on why they've fallen off the radar. Failing to provide a response for weeks -- if not months -- communicates that you are just not a priority, and that you'll have to wait your turn to get this individual's attention. This is n...

The 1 good thing cheaters do for us

Nothing good could come of a relationship marred by infidelity, right? The heartache, the shock, the feeling of one's trust being violated. In the short-term, being cheated on can turn one's world upside down. But eventually, there may be a light awaiting the cheated at the end of the tunnel. If you really think about it, cheaters end up doing us a huge favor. In their selfishness and disloyalty, they end up showing us that we deserve better. If you're so unfortunate as to be a victim of such acts of betrayal, you can only hope the cheater is considerate enough to own up to their missteps. But we all know full well that, in many cases, the cheater is either caught in the act or leaves behind a trail of hints that ultimately culminates in their undoing. The more classy thing to do is to discuss their feelings openly with their partner before straying. If all talks lead to an impasse or a further escalation of tensions, both parties should take it as a ...

Search This Blog