This is the third article in this series, and the most
important. What good is free time or lots of money without
a life that makes sense, without a life of purpose,
fulfillment and satisfaction? Time without purpose is
merely boredom, and we all know that money cannot buy
happiness.
The Dalai Lama has written that the goal of human life is
happiness, and I think he's on to something. Yes, we can
quibble over definitions, but in the end, we want to be
happy.
In my opinion, our culture focuses excessively on the
extremes of pleasure, on the one hand, and work on the
other. We sell everything from cars to vacation packages
with the promise that they will make us popular, sexy or
powerful. And, at the same time, we work more and more
hours, striving to become "successful". It is exhausting,
and neither work nor pleasure can be relied upon to create
lasting happiness. Happiness is different.
I think happiness is usually the result of a well-balanced
life. Happiness is the sum total of meaningful work, good
health, positive relationships, lots of fun, some challenge
and even failure, seasoned with laughter and joy. I
suspect happiness requires a level of self-discipline, and
a dash of wisdom.
Happiness comes from balancing the "big pieces" in life.
What are the "big pieces"? We all have our own list, and
yours might differ slightly, but here are my suggestions:
1. Positive Personal Relationships. Without love and
friendship, laughter, trust and intimacy, most of us feel
alone and lonely. The good life is rarely a do-it-yourself
operation. The quality of my life depends on the people I
love and those who love me. I think this is the first of
the "big pieces".
2. Meaningful Work. We love to lay on the beach, read a
good book or take the day off, but we also want to use our
skills and talents to do something worthwhile. Work hard,
work smart, work with pride. Do work you love and do it
well. I believe work is the second "big piece".
3. Health, Fitness and Fun. I've never been disabled or
limited for any length of time, and I consider that a great
blessing. The ability to enjoy a sunrise, or go for a walk
or make love is the third "big piece". Take care of your
body. It's your "data port" to the world.
4. Spirituality and a Moral Compass. Humans are unique in
our ability to hold such a volatile mix of good and evil,
and without a vital Center, we quickly lose our way.
Pursuing your spiritual path is the fourth "big piece".
5. Finances and Resources. Like squirrels storing nuts
for the winter, we must monitor our resources, use them
wisely, and invest for the future. Managing your finances
opens doors, eases worry, and provides security during hard
times.
When Henry Thoreau wrote that most of us "live lives of
quiet desperation", I think he meant that our lives are out
of balance. Some of us work too much, others not enough.
Some of us spend all our time socializing, while others
remain separated from those who would embrace them. Some
of us spend foolishly, while others are misers. We know
that over 60% of Americans are over-weight. These
extremes, while they may at times bring "pleasure" cannot
be a path to happiness.
Happiness comes from life balance. Happiness come from a
disciplined and reasoned approach to the "big pieces" in
life. If time management is the essential first step, and
if managing money is a critical second step, the ultimate
path to happiness is living a balanced life. Determine the
"big pieces" in your life. As Spock used to say (for those
who remember Star Trek), may you "live long and prosper".
important. What good is free time or lots of money without
a life that makes sense, without a life of purpose,
fulfillment and satisfaction? Time without purpose is
merely boredom, and we all know that money cannot buy
happiness.
The Dalai Lama has written that the goal of human life is
happiness, and I think he's on to something. Yes, we can
quibble over definitions, but in the end, we want to be
happy.
In my opinion, our culture focuses excessively on the
extremes of pleasure, on the one hand, and work on the
other. We sell everything from cars to vacation packages
with the promise that they will make us popular, sexy or
powerful. And, at the same time, we work more and more
hours, striving to become "successful". It is exhausting,
and neither work nor pleasure can be relied upon to create
lasting happiness. Happiness is different.
I think happiness is usually the result of a well-balanced
life. Happiness is the sum total of meaningful work, good
health, positive relationships, lots of fun, some challenge
and even failure, seasoned with laughter and joy. I
suspect happiness requires a level of self-discipline, and
a dash of wisdom.
Happiness comes from balancing the "big pieces" in life.
What are the "big pieces"? We all have our own list, and
yours might differ slightly, but here are my suggestions:
1. Positive Personal Relationships. Without love and
friendship, laughter, trust and intimacy, most of us feel
alone and lonely. The good life is rarely a do-it-yourself
operation. The quality of my life depends on the people I
love and those who love me. I think this is the first of
the "big pieces".
2. Meaningful Work. We love to lay on the beach, read a
good book or take the day off, but we also want to use our
skills and talents to do something worthwhile. Work hard,
work smart, work with pride. Do work you love and do it
well. I believe work is the second "big piece".
3. Health, Fitness and Fun. I've never been disabled or
limited for any length of time, and I consider that a great
blessing. The ability to enjoy a sunrise, or go for a walk
or make love is the third "big piece". Take care of your
body. It's your "data port" to the world.
4. Spirituality and a Moral Compass. Humans are unique in
our ability to hold such a volatile mix of good and evil,
and without a vital Center, we quickly lose our way.
Pursuing your spiritual path is the fourth "big piece".
5. Finances and Resources. Like squirrels storing nuts
for the winter, we must monitor our resources, use them
wisely, and invest for the future. Managing your finances
opens doors, eases worry, and provides security during hard
times.
When Henry Thoreau wrote that most of us "live lives of
quiet desperation", I think he meant that our lives are out
of balance. Some of us work too much, others not enough.
Some of us spend all our time socializing, while others
remain separated from those who would embrace them. Some
of us spend foolishly, while others are misers. We know
that over 60% of Americans are over-weight. These
extremes, while they may at times bring "pleasure" cannot
be a path to happiness.
Happiness comes from life balance. Happiness come from a
disciplined and reasoned approach to the "big pieces" in
life. If time management is the essential first step, and
if managing money is a critical second step, the ultimate
path to happiness is living a balanced life. Determine the
"big pieces" in your life. As Spock used to say (for those
who remember Star Trek), may you "live long and prosper".
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