Tag: self-discovery

Is Embracing the Unexpected a Path To Happiness?

How many times have you heard or been told that old saw, “no risk no reward?”

In other words, we must put ourselves out on a limb to find happiness or satisfaction in life.

Not so sure I agree with that one. Sure, there are people that will reach for the stars, even tumble a few times before they reach them, if at all. But so many live quiet, contented lives and thrive. They see the stars not as something to reach, but to enjoy.

Are the rewards even greater after the pain and heartache of failing and standing back up again? Isn’t just being content to wake up each morning and enjoy the simple consistency of it all enough to build a happy life?

Falling short of reaching the moon isn’t failure, but part of a journey many take toward self-discovery. Yet perhaps those that needn’t strive for something so grand are lucky. They already know themselves and what will make them happy. Still, is everyone’s perception of a grand life the same?

I have seen so many that have sought to achieve against impossible odds.

Many were successful, some were destroyed. Everyone’s journey toward self-discovery is unique. Coping with achieving less that one’s goals isn’t the same for every individual.

One never knows what will await someone at the end of the road, and whether or not they can handle what they find. Some can’t.

I’ve thought long and hard about what drives people.  Why we all have different levels to reach to sustain contentment and self fulfilment. Is it random or destiny that guides our path? If so, is accepting less than we sought merely a way to test one’s resolve or teach life lessons.  Or lead us toward our true path?

I’ve known people whose life expectations fell short and they couldn’t go on living. Sadly, they were unable to move ahead and chose to end their own life. I’ve always wondered why and how they made that drastic and tragic decision. Even what might have altered that choice.

Looking around it seems as though goals are quite diverse and complicated. Yet in some small way we follow a path we perceive as either smooth, or filled with potholes. It becomes obvious the outcomes we anticipate aren’t always as we’d hoped. Yet, is our plan the one that counts, or is there a better one we need to discover along the way, and to follow? I believe in many cases there is. And doesn’t a detour usually signal there is construction on a new fresh and better road being prepared ahead?

For many the journey is calm and certain.
I knew so may that opted for a calm and quiet existence and life didn’t turn out that way. We always move ahead into a future that is uncertain and unpredictable whatever we pursue.

Others who sought a more unconventional life actually found that peace and self-awareness must include valuing calm and restraint.

We can choose, but so much of the time destiny chooses for us.

We only have a certain modicum of control over the life we choose.

Yet many will readily admit choice is an illusion and we often find ourselves on unexpected roads.

Like driving down a familiar street and finding it closed. Once we’ve turned onto the detours unfamiliarity leads us in directions better than we ever anticipated.

Many will tell you it’s those new roads that bring us to destinations filled with great joy, knowledge and adventure. Still, some wish they’d stayed on the old road and remain dissatisfied with the outcome.

Whatever one’s circumstance may be, human beings must adapt to be content. There is new purpose and fulfillment in unexpected twists and turns.

I have seen so many that stubbornly battled life in a grudge match that didn’t end well.

I suppose what I’m saying is that great opportunities don’t always present themselves in a manner you imagine or insist upon.

Keeping open to new adventures, changes and detours along life’s road may be exactly what leads us to that best life we always sought. No matter how unexpected the path may be.

How Watching More Animal Videos Can Make Americans Happier

How Watching More Animal Videos Can Change America?

Has anyone else noticed how unpleasant it is to watch people on television today? So much arguing, dissent and rudeness. No one allows anyone to make a point and if they do by some miracle get a sentence out, no one gives a damn what they say anyway. Even humor has been relegated to the ash heap of history lately.

Where once human beings showed respect for those who didn’t share their particular opinion, now it’s common to see those who believe any who disagree should just shut up and die.

I am seriously struck by the malevolence with which humans converse. The hostility is palpable and the chance for a peaceful resolve to disagreements seems like a wish that could never come true.

So how can people who are shocked and appalled by the way humans are treating one another feel better about the world in which we all exist?

In my desire to make the world a better place I suggest that more cutesy, adorable animal videos are just the answer.

I mean seriously, who can feel bad about the world when kittens and puppies are wrestling around on the floor or you see a video of a girl walking down the street and her dog is walking upright next to her dressed to mimic her outfit?

The faces you witness on these videos give birth to more ahh moments than grandparents standing in a maternity unit gazing upon their new grandchildren.

So it begs the question, if we have a way to eliminate the insanity we’re experiencing in our lives by simply looking at more precious puppies, kittens and ducks, why aren’t we?

Perhaps we are, but the news seems to destroy any good vibes they may deliver. And perhaps the messages in these videos are being ignored.

What is the good of oohing and ahhing over a puppy if the next minute you turn on the insanity?

If you need proof that Americans are depressed check out all the food videos on Instagram and Tik Tok.

We are obsessed with food which is a definite indication we need serious soothing and comforting.

Anyone who doubts my thesis that nastiness reigns supreme need only look at the comments on social media. Suddenly everyone has an opinion and they are excited to share it with anyone foolhardy enough to pay attention.

People who rant and rave about subjects with which they are totally ignorant and uneducated just run at the mouth with nasty comments. They espouse theories from outer space and call out anyone that may disagree with their limited perspectives and knowledge in the most heinous of ways.

If I want to know about the Theory of Relativity I’d probably ask an Astro Physicist. And if I didn’t like his answer, I’d have to admit he knows more than I about these things so I’d defer to his knowledge.

Where once we respected those that spent years training and educating themselves about topics we cared very little about, some actually now believe their limited knowledge is vast enough to decry and defame experts.

It’s also the way they express these theories. Not in a rational and conversational tone, but with anger and personal attacks more vicious than a Pitbull that has been taunted and unfed for a week.

I am a firm believer in the first amendment, in fact I’m rather rabid about it being a journalist, so I truly believe anyone has the right to say and think whatever they want. And I have the right not to listen.  They just don’t have the right to make up their own facts, figures or scientific evidence and insult others viciously.  

I don’t even mind so much that those who add to the conversation aren’t qualified to do so, it’s their right and prerogative, but could we at least contribute in a civilized way. It’s okay to disagree, even a good thing. Yet, I’ve found it to be my experience when engaged in a civilized conversation with someone with a different opinion, I’ve been moved many times to embrace their argument and have changed my view. Being open minded is one road down the positive path to self-discovery.

I’ve never believed someone with whom I disagree is my enemy. Yet that is the prevailing attitude with these social media trolls. Have you seen the puppies and kittens playing together? Hugging and licking one another? I thought they were supposed to be natural enemies.

Well maybe we were all wrong, there is no such thing as a natural enemy, only those you choose to make one.

These cute animal videos are a feel-good moment in the day. They bring a smile and a warm feeling to our hearts. Such a refreshing and welcome change after all the nastiness we are subjected to in our daily lives.

It’s difficult to be upbeat when the world goes around growling at one another. When hating seems to be the national pastime and calling people with whom you disagree your enemy instead of a friend with a different opinion.

How sad is it when the animal kingdom is now forced to show us what it means to be human and exercise love and kindness toward a fellow creature?

I’m not standing on a soapbox here and trying to Pollyanna this conversation into one of those let’s all love one another and kumbaya.

I’m quite realistic about how difficult life has become and how far we’ve moved past love thy neighbor and peace love and rock n roll.

Yet if we all took a moment in our day to watch some pussycats playing with puppies or a rabbit hugging a German shepherd, it might slow our heart rate and bring a moment of Zen into our lives.

We all seem to need a reminder that life, even with all its challenges can be beautiful. That despite the bad things that befall us, it’s up to us to try and create happy moments for ourselves and those we love.

As difficult as it may be sometimes to push oneself away from the night into the sun, once we do we are so happy we made the effort.

If viewing a few more warm and loving animal videos can remind us to try, I say watch, watch, watch!