Displaying items by tag: happiness

“Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” 

If I only made this much money, then I could afford a house and then I would finally have some consistency in my life. If only I could get promoted, then I could take my family on the trip I promised them. If only I could find the perfect mate and get married, then I would be satisfied and my life would be complete. If only I made more money, then I would finally be happy.

The above “if only” scenarios are good examples of the hedonic treadmill that humans tend to get stuck running on. According to a Positive Psychology article, hedonic adaptation is the theory in which people generally return to an original state of happiness after something they thought was going to create an eternal sense of joy for them fails to deliver. It becomes hedonic adaptation.

It took a minute to find some inspiration for this post. It seems that the overwhelm I feel with the current political climate has made my brain into a mush sandwich. It reminds me of when the Covid-19 Pandemic caused world-wide confusion and changes for our daily routines. I found myself stuck in a rut without any motivation due to the virus, and I have no motivation now due to…another virus, this one in the form of a man, consequently the same man who nonchalantly brushed off the Pandemic and the thousands of Americans dying each day like water on a duck’s back.

“Life begins on the other side of despair.” ~ Jean-Paul Sartre 

When what appeared to be my forever life crumbled before my eyes a few years ago, I couldn’t see a way out of my despair and pain. All the memories, conversations, trips, and Netflix binges vanished along with my husband’s love, my house, and my happiness. I couldn't imagine a life without my husband. I had formed habits and routines around the life that he and I had created. I had been in a comfort bubble with no desire to leave. 

Joy. That small but powerful word inspires so much within us. We think of so many things that bring joy to our lives: Our children, our friends, our favorite movie, a song, a good meal, the people we love. It inspires us to pursue our passions, motivates us to move forward in our dreams, and has the power to evoke smiles on our faces.

Are joy and happiness the same? Can you have one without the other? Joy and happiness are different. Joy is an internal sensation of happiness. It is not an instant feeling of gratification. It happens over time and through conscious effort. Joy is when we can be our authentic selves and it lasts much longer than happiness.