When asked the indelible lesson that life has taught her so far, the youngest of a U.S ‘reality show’ family, said this, “realising that the happiness that comes with knowing that you can afford to buy whatever you want lasts for just minutes.”
And then, she went on to say that her greatest joy is learning that lesson this early in life-as that (realisation) will adjust how she conducts her affairs in life.
When a research that I stumbled on recently claimed that beyond a certain income bracket, ‘more money’ ceases to make anybody happy.
I remembered…
A senior friend who would often tell me (in my university days) that he prays I get to a point that I start making millions if only to learn that a lot of money doesn’t really make anybody happy.
Like a lot of us in this environment, such is usually the last ‘sermon’ that one wants to hear.
Not when you are still wondering where the next meal will come from!
However, what I have gathered from these sources is that it eventually gets to a point when you say “is this it?”
And the regret may be- having lost moments/time (that CAN NEVER be recaptured) to ‘chasing money’…while letting other aspects of one’s life suffer.
Behavioural researchers have said that the strongest of human emotions is actually GRATITUDE AND FORGIVENESS.
It has also occurred to me that despite the noise of the modern life, people around the world (through their culture/tradition, values system and philosophies) are persistently teaching what life (in its truest form) should mean.
For example…
There are people who believe that life in its truest form is when one finds his/her PURPOSE-in life.
As it’s believed that everyone has a reason for living and finding yours (through soul searching) will set you on the part of living a fulfilled life.
There are also people who teach that life in its truest form is to appreciate the things that matter more in life e.g. spending time with loved ones in an atmosphere of ease.
Life in its truest form to other people is how involved you are in your community!
…as it’s believed that happiness comes from knowing that one’s existence matters to other people, both from the giving and receiving end. And that everyone benefits more when no one is left behind.
Also, helping to preserve the environment around you.
Cultivating one’s values (e.g. walking on the right path and retracing one’s steps-when mistakes have been made) is life in its truest form to some people.
To some others, life in its truest form entails being your best-in order to live a happier life.
E.g. personal grooming, mannerism, etc.
‘The good life’ or ‘living well’ to some, is simply to;
Slow down and appreciate (more) the world around you-a good harvest, health, the shining sun, etc.
…as it’s believed that irrespective of one’s socio-economic status, living well should be about appreciating what you have right now, rather than what you could have.
Finally…
There are people to whom life in its truest form simply means;
*Reducing passive aggressiveness by being honest in your communications.
*Going with the flow…taking things easy, not being quick to act or jump on every opportunity that comes your way. Being selfless. And just breathe.
*How you relate to/treat others around you, especially, in today’s world where everyone seems driven by what benefits them.
It’s also believed that life in its truest form is actually looking out for loved ones, being more empathetic, more conscious of the needs of others, and more willing to help unconditionally (whether you get something out of it or not) to foster a less selfish, more loving and humane world!
What’s ‘life in its truest form’ to you?
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