It’s been scientifically researched & proven that chasing happiness leads to greater misery and mild depression. It’s also been scientifically proven that choosing to walk a purposeful & playful path leads to a more pleasurable life.
Let’s apply these scientific findings to you with two simple yet significant questions:
- Are you playing & laughing enough? [i.e. doing things that make you smile & feel darn good]
- Are you creating enough meaning & making a positive impact? [i.e. doing things that serve & support others]
We need purpose in our lives. We need joy in our lives. If you’re short on one or both, you are the only person who can fill you back up.
And what lit you up and seemed like a great fit 14 years ago, may not light you up today.
Instead of asking the trite, “What did I love as a kid?” play smarter by asking, “What do I love now?”
Sure, what you once deemed fashionable often comes back around, but there’s always an updated twist.
It may be time to update your outlook and the way you play.
Hugs,
AmyK
Thank you for the reminder, Amy! I love the encouragement to clear the “clutter” of clothing that no longer fits who we are today along with activities that do not light us up. For some this takes great courage to walk away from the expectations of others-including the clothing that they thought you should wear. Living true to our joys means belonging to ourselves and being wiling to risk the rejection of people in our lives, to risk their jealousy, their commentary on “Who are We to be That Happy?” Living in joy can be a revolutionary act that you practice every single day you are alive no matter what. You may have to walk away from really unhappy, unhealthy people, who might even be family members. That takes strength and courage.
I love your insight in this article, Amyk. Just as we outgrow a certain pair of pants or a style we used to love, we grow akin to something else. Change is constant, and it comes whether we invite it into our lives or not. It comes with age, and hopefully wisdom. But most of all, it comes with growing as a person. It doesn’t mean that we still don’t love to look back at that picture of us from high school, but it is good to know that we’ve evolved. Thanks for the dose of insight!
“Instead of asking the trite, “What did I love as a kid?” play smarter by asking, “What do I love now?” So straightforward, AmyK. Thanks!
That makes so much sense, Amy, and I never thought of it that way – when you are looking for satisfaction in life, looking back at what you loved in the past is usually not the best view!
This reminds me of an interview I recorded earlier this year with Dr. Carla Cooke for my podcast. We spoke about looking in the closet and finding our older clothes that still fit, but not in the same way they used to. If you’re no longer comfortable in them, it’s time to clear the closet. This is an easy career analogy: Just because you loved doing what you’re doing at some point, and because you are REALLY good at it, doesn’t mean it still fits you as you’ve grown and changed.
Great reminder, thanks! – And hugs back!
I think it is essential to continue to laugh all the days of our lives. Laughter keeps that child-part of us alive. Thank you for this Amy!💖
Very true. A bit of introspection never hurts. Thank you for the sage advice.
I have worn many of my clothes for years very comfortably, given them an expansion or contraction rest period. The only time I realise is when looking at old photographs.😄 I do however add to the collection with some up to the minute creations from time to time.
I have been known to wear things until they fall apart! Also, as my husband will attest, I eat leftovers well past the point of no return. Wonder what that says about me? 😉
Thank you, Amy, for your bull’s eye post. ‘All grown-ups were once children, but few of them remember it.’ (de Saint-Exupéry). I’d like to suggest to this wonderful community of writers to read or re-read Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince.
A stellar time for taking in your your article and allowing for some pondering time. I appreciate your work here, Amyk. My best to you in the times ahead. Let them be updated and happy for where you are landing at this point in life!
Interesting thoughts Amy. Life is like a river, it will sweep you away and take you over the waterfall if you let it. However, if you learn to navigate, you can push it into a peaceful reservoir where things are quiet. I agree with your statements, how you feel at 20 is not the same at 40 or 60. We evolve. We are the sum of our experience and memories. How we play this card in the present will determine our future. I’ve often witnessed people pursuing financial success. I’m sure it would be nice, but often those with more tend to have more headaches and misery. People constantly sticking their hands out, reaching into your pocket, greater temptation, more responsibility and less time for reflection. In the end, was it worth it? Success should be a state of mind, defined by health and how well you interpret the world around you, what wisdom we can impart without being judgmental… I suppose I could ramble on and on, but your article proves that we need to slow down and look within. A little introspection from time to time will tell us if our compass is off course. We simply need to listen…