I’ve had several moments that matter with my family lately. During my meditation & gratitude practice I’ve been doing a lot of thinking...
Happiness cannot be bought.
Several have tried to “bottle it” and all have failed. It has been my experience that Happiness comes from finding contentment. The ability to genuinely reflect on where you are, what you have (possessions, health, opportunity, relationships, ability, freedom... and the list goes on) and acknowledging those who have less than you.
I’ve heard and read that comparing yourself to others is bad practice, but I’m not sure I fully agree. Sure, the habit of constantly comparing yourself with those who have what appears to be more than you, can turn into toxic behaviour. Especially if you find it creates discontentment, jealousy or envy, or makes you feel bad about yourself. But humbly (the imperative word here) comparing yourself to those who have less and expressing genuine gratitude for your circumstances can often help put things into perspective.
Did you know that to be considered among the top wealthiest people in the world you need to make $50 000 annually? To some of you that may seem like an astronomical amount of money, but there are several of you who it won’t. You may even question if it’s true... but go check for yourself.
I am driven to help empower others to tap into their potential, but I’ll be damned if I do it for any other reason than helping others be the best version of themselves as they move towards their goals.
Move forward because you want to have a life of significance not because you want more “things.” Strive to be better than you were yesterday so that you can help make someone’s life better. Acknowledge what you possess, the freedoms you know, the relationships you have. If you sit above the $50k mark you belong in the top 1% of the worlds wealthiest people. Choose to make an impact.
If you want to experience happiness, try pursuing contentment and practice gratitude daily, it certainly can’t hurt, can it?
“It’s in the absence of wanting, that you find peace.” Tamara Levitt
