This journey we call life has many challenges. And when these challenges leave us feeling hurt, emotional drained and unhappy we start to believe life is unfair. In those times, it is only natural to want to figure our how live a happy life. In the process of changing our focus to become a happier person, it seems like life becomes more challenging doesn’t it? I believe this happens for a reason. Maybe, the reason life becomes more challenging is because life is so much more than simply being happy. Feelings help us intrepid our emotions and therefor how we experience the world and people around us. Being happy because you are being recognized for your hard work is appropriate, but being happy when you are at a funeral would not be. I believe most of us have been taught incorrectly how happiness works and how we can achieve it.
While happiness is certainly a key component of a fulfilling life, it cannot be the sole focus of our journey. If it does become the focus we would miss out on valuable experiences with the people around us. Human beings are meant to experience a wide range of emotions and feelings. We should not look to eliminate any of them. They all have their function. So how do we find the true happiness we really desire and need? Purpose. Instead of trying to manipulate our environment to manufacture happiness, we should seek purpose in life – a sense of meaning, direction, and value that helps us to understand why we are here and what we are meant to do with our time on this planet.
When we focus on seeking purpose in life, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and potential. We can explore new ideas, take risks, and push ourselves to achieve more than we ever thought was possible. By having a clear and meaningful purpose, we are better able to set worthwhile and achievable goals that bring us closer to our desired outcomes. It provides us with a sense of remarkable connectedness with the people around us, and the ability to empathize with them.
Purpose leads to feelings of joy and contentedness. This is where to real emotional payoff happens. Feeling happy isn’t what you are looking for in those difficult and dark moments. You are looking for Joy. Happiness is an emotion that comes from the satisfaction of a goal or accomplishment. Joy is a more intense feeling of happiness, often associated with a sense of inner peace and contentment. Happiness is short-lived. Joy is a deeper emotion that can last for days, months, or even years. Happiness comes from external sources, such as a good meal or a kind gesture. Joy often comes from within and can result from a meaningful experience or personal growth. Unlike happiness, joy is only experienced as a byproduct of finding your purpose. The second byproduct of purpose is contentedness. When we are content, we can appreciate what we have and recognize the blessings in our lives. Gratitude is the natural response to that state of contentment, as it allows us to be thankful for the good things and even making those challenging and hurtful experience a little more manageable. Gratitude helps us stay grounded, humble, and connected to our purpose.
The facts are the none of us like to feel uncomfortable. Whenever we have to sit through moments, or even seasons of difficult obstacles, our default is the get over it as soon as possible and figure out how feel happy. When we live a life of purpose you don’t have to hunt for happiness. The joy and gratitude you have within you carries you through the experiences. When you have joy you know in your heart the tough times will pass. If you want to live a life that is filled with the type of joy that will carry you through the difficult seasons of your life, find purpose, serve something greater than yourself, and live in gratitude. It offers you the opportunity to connect with others, share your gifts, and make a positive difference in the lives of those around you.
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