Flourish From Within

While I was driving last week listening to NPR’s discussion about Facebook and Instagram and the negative effects the social media platforms have on children, I thought yes, I can absolutely see how children can be affected. However, my mind quickly turned to adults and how they get sucked into the superficial world. We are grown adults, we know that everything we see isn’t necessarily reality, yet we get caught up in the visions being portrayed of beautiful people living these wonderful lives.

We question our own lives and wonder why we aren’t as happy as those on social media platforms. This reminds me of the magazines at the checkout counter, viewing the front cover with a celebrity all glammed up and on vacation in the Riviera. Our own existence comes into question. What am I doing wrong that I don’t have a better life? If I only had a better career and made more money, all would be well, or would it?

Beauty, money, and power don’t make you happy. We are all unique individuals and our vision of happiness is different, so why do we look to others to find our own happiness? We think that these people have the secret to living a happy fulfilled life, but they don’t. They are struggling just as you may be to find that secret key to unlock your happiness.

Look no further because all you need is to be still, have some alone time and feel what is deep in your soul to find what truly makes you happy. I know this sounds absurd, but it is true and works. The more alone time that you give yourself, the more you will connect with your inner self and find what you need in life to be happy. You don’t need all the material clutter in your life that weighs you down to make you feel good? If you are looking for the material world to make you happy, you will only find temporary happiness. Sit with yourself and write down everything that brought you happiness as a child and now do the same as an adult. When you look back at your childhood, your list most likely has simple happy memories. As an adult, I wouldn’t be surprised if your list is very similar.

Stop looking at others’ lives and wishing that you had a different one. You can create your own happiness that will fill your life with joy. Be your authentic self and watch your life flourish.