I used to think happiness was something that would eventually just happen. As a child, I assumed I’d grow up, get a good job, find love, and live happily ever after.
“Happiness is the settling of the soul into its most appropriate spot.” – Aristotle.
I Followed Aristotle’s Advice on Happiness, and What Happened Next Changed My Life Forever.
Spoiler Alert: Happiness Does Not Just Happen
But as I entered adulthood, I realized it wasn’t that simple. Happiness does not passively come if you sit around waiting for it. As Aristotle once said, “Happiness is the settling of the soul into its most appropriate spot.” I’ve learned that actively shaping your life and mindset is key to being truly happy.
Trying to Force Happiness
In my 20s, I chased after anything I thought would make me happy – money, promotions, material possessions, relationships, well, not so much relationships. The one thing I knew in life (or I thought I knew) was that I needed to be responsible for myself and my family. I could not rely on anyone else to do it.
Checklist Life
I figured checking off all the boxes of what I thought constituted a good life would lead me to happiness. But even when I achieved those goals, I felt empty inside.
A Life of Going Through The Motions
The happiness I attained was fleeting and superficial. Simply going through the motions in hopes that happiness would follow did not work.
Learning to Find Inner Peace
Eventually, I realized I had been going about things all wrong. I had been trying to impose an artificial happiness template on my life rather than discovering what truly fulfilled me.
Change of Plans
I began focusing less on exterior markers of success and more on finding inner peace. I explored spiritual practices like meditation and mindfulness, which taught me to be present and appreciate all I already had.
Release the Past
As I let go of unrealistic expectations about what would make me happy, I began to discover contentment in simplicity.
Discovering My True Calling
An important breakthrough came when I realized that much of my angst stemmed from my work life not aligning with my natural talents and passions.
Sometimes, Life Throws you a Fast Ball.
I started in the restaurant industry when I was 15; I worked my way up through the ranks as a Training coordinator of staff, a trainer for managers, An Area supervisor over 3 new locations, and finally, running the operations for 13 restaurants in 3 states by the age of 19. All while going to College.
Each Passing Leads To A New Beginning.
My Dad passed away, and I had to help my Mom keep the house, so money was the name of the game. I had fallen into a specific career path because it seemed secure and respectable, not because it energized and inspired me.
No Regrets
Don’t get me wrong, I learned valuable information that can apply to any business, and I have no regrets about that decision. The restaurant industry was good to me, and I was determined to learn it from every angle.
Passion Once Snuffed Out Reignites
In College, I studied Broadcast Journalism. I felt that was my destiny. However, fate took me in another direction. It would be many years before I got the courage to veer off the beaten path and pursue my writing dreams; now, everything has changed.
Settling Into My Best Self
As I spend more and more time writing and channeling my creativity, I am settling into the best version of myself. Time melts away when I write, and I become utterly absorbed in the joyful process of creating.
When It’s Right, You Know It
My soul feels light, peaceful, and untroubled. All the tedious striving melts away. I am filled with a profound sense of purpose and meaning. As Aristotle said, my soul had settled “into its most appropriate spot.”
Listen To Your Heart
By honoring my genuine talents and interests instead of chasing false markers of success or taking on the world’s burdens and shouldering all the responsibility, I have found my calling and uncovered the key to true contentment.
Ongoing Self-Discovery
Happiness Does Not Just Happen. My journey toward happiness continues as I constantly seek new challenges and personal and professional adventures. But now I have the tools to understand myself better and shape an authentically fulfilling life.
Everyone’s Authentic Life Purpose Matters
Discovering my deeper purpose and aligning my existence around that has made me happier than I ever imagined possible. I am grateful for what I’ve learned and excited to see where continued self-discovery will lead me next, accepting happiness does not just happen.
The Secret to the Key to Happiness
The key to happiness that Aristotle identified all those years ago remains true today. We each have unique talents and dreams inside us.
To Yourself Be True
As we tune out external pressures about what society says we should want and instead focus on settling into the best expression of our true selves, that elusive thing called happiness naturally follows.
Courage If I Only Had Courage
I’m proof that you can get there if you’re willing to do the self-work to align your life around your innate gifts. Like the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, we all need courage.
It Was Always There
Through the process, I discovered I had the courage the whole time, and the rewards of living your purpose and settling into your most appropriate spot are immense.
My Wish for You
I wish the same profound happiness for you in your own journey. Be strong, be proud, and honor your gifts and talents. Your Happiness Will Flow.
Are you ready?