The Pursuit of Happiness: Unraveling the Purpose of Life

What is the purpose of life? In the vast tapestry of human existence, one question has persisted throughout the ages: What is the purpose of life? Philosophers, theologians, and thinkers from various cultures have embarked on the quest to decipher the elusive meaning behind our existence. Amidst this philosophical mosaic, a compelling theme emerges — the purpose of life is, fundamentally, to be happy and to collect positive experiences. This perspective redefines the significance of material possessions, positioning them as facilitators rather than the ultimate goals in our pursuit of fulfillment.

The Human Quest for Happiness: A Universal Desire

Happiness, a sublime state of being that transcends cultural, social, and economic boundaries, is a universal aspiration. From ancient civilizations to modern societies, the pursuit of happiness has driven individuals to seek meaning and purpose. Greek philosophers like Aristotle believed that eudaimonia, a state of flourishing and fulfillment, was the highest human good. Similarly, Eastern philosophies like Buddhism advocate for the cessation of suffering and the attainment of inner peace as the ultimate purpose of existence. The unity across these diverse worldviews underscores the intrinsic human inclination toward happiness.

The Role of Positive Experiences: Crafting a Life of Significance

Positive experiences form the bedrock upon which a life of significance is built. Engaging with the world around us, forming connections with others, and savoring moments of joy contribute to our overall well-being. Scientific research supports this notion, revealing that positive experiences not only enhance our mood but also have lasting effects on our health and overall life satisfaction.

Consider the joy of connecting with a friend over a cup of coffee, witnessing a breathtaking sunset, or achieving a personal goal after relentless effort. These moments enrich our lives, adding texture and depth to our existence. As we accumulate these positive experiences, we weave a vibrant tapestry of memories that define the essence of who we are.

Material Possessions as Enablers of Positive Experiences

Material possessions, often vilified in discussions about the purpose of life, can serve as tools to cultivate positive experiences. It is crucial, however, to recognize their role as facilitators rather than sole determinants of happiness. Possessions such as a cozy home, a reliable vehicle, or the means to explore new destinations can amplify the joy we derive from life's moments.

Imagine the joy of creating a warm, inviting atmosphere at home that fosters meaningful gatherings with loved ones. Visualize the freedom to explore distant lands, broadening our horizons and enriching our understanding of the world. Material possessions are the threads that connect us to the canvas of life, enhancing our ability to craft moments of happiness and fulfillment.

The Pitfall of Excessive Materialism: Striking a Balance

While material possessions can enhance our experiences, excessive materialism can lead to a misguided pursuit of happiness. In a consumer-driven society, the constant craving for more can obscure our true desires and values. The accumulation of possessions for the sake of status or comparison can create a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction.

Striking a balance between material wealth and genuine well-being is essential. When possessions are acquired with intention and used to enhance the quality of our experiences, they contribute positively to our lives. However, when materialism becomes the primary focus, it can cloud our ability to connect with others and savor life's simple pleasures.

The Legacy of Positive Experiences: Crafting a Meaningful Narrative

As we reflect on the purpose of life, it becomes evident that the legacy we leave behind is shaped by the experiences we collect and the happiness we cultivate. The stories we share with future generations are not centered around the possessions we accumulated, but rather the adventures we embarked upon, the relationships we nurtured, and the moments of joy we embraced.

Imagine the stories of resilience born from overcoming challenges, the narratives of love woven through meaningful connections, and the tales of personal growth that unfold as we pursue our passions. These stories form the essence of our legacy, transcending time and resonating with the human spirit.

An Ongoing Journey of Fulfillment

In the grand tapestry of existence, the purpose of life reveals itself as an ongoing journey of fulfillment, characterized by the pursuit of happiness and the collection of positive experiences. Material possessions, while not inherently negative, are best understood as tools that enable us to curate a life rich in moments of joy and connection.

As we navigate this complex and dynamic journey, it is essential to embrace a balanced perspective that values both the tangible and intangible aspects of life. By crafting a narrative that prioritizes positive experiences and meaningful connections, we unravel the profound purpose of our existence and contribute to a world where happiness becomes the cornerstone of human aspiration.

Some pearls of wisdom

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.

FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately.. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN! .. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice

TWENTY- ONE. Spend some time alone.

Life Changing Habits!

Most of the time we do things, say things unconsciously and then regret uttering them…

Here’s a simple method of turning your life around - Make these Breakthrough habits part of your life and positive things will begin rapidly. no warrantees though and you can’t sue since this is free advice! However, it has high degrees of certainties that if followed, in general, provides desirable results… and perhaps bring you what you’ve been missing.

Practice these Habits and watch what happens.

The First Habit

Let go of your negative feelings. Pay attention to what you’re saying, thinking and doing. Watch all the time. Stay awake to what’s happening. Be on the lookout all the time. When you see some negative thought, you stop it. When you see some negative feeling, you stop it. When you see you’re taking some negative action, you stop it.

If what you’re thinking, feeling, saying or doing is negative, end it. Stop it.

If I hand you a red-hot metal rod you drop it in a split second, right? Negative feelings, words, thoughts, actions, all those are hot metal rods. Drop them. Negative, not-liking, disapproval, negativity is burning up your life just like a red-hot fireplace metal rod burns up your hand.

Drop the negative feelings like you would drop a hot red metal rod.

Here’s the test. Is it negative? Then, it’s negative and hurting your life. Drop it.

The Second Habit

Hold in mind what you want. Hold in mind means what you keep in your mind or visualize. Hold in mind means the thoughts and feelings that occupy your mind all the time.

You get what you hold in mind. Whatever is occupying your mind, your thoughts and your feelings, is what you manifest in the material world. It’s the law of attraction.

Positive attracts positive, negative attracts negative. Love attracts love. Negative attracts more negative. Positivity is the same energy as positive, success, abundance, health, money, peace.

If you hold in mind “I can’t,” you’re right, you can’t. If you hold in mind “I don’t have it,” you’re right, you don’t have it and you aren’t going to have it. You’re holding the wrong thing in mind. You’re holding in mind what you don’t want.

Fake it until you make it. Stop thinking you don’t have it. Hold in your mind only what you want. Prove it to yourself. Make a good effort. What do you have to lose? If I’m right you get to have everything.

If I’m wrong, you’re no worse off. Here is a little hint: If it doesn’t work, it’s because your mind talked you out of doing it. Your mind talked you out of making a decision. Your mind talked you out of being determined and persistent. You (like everyone else on the planet) have spent your entire life collecting negative feelings.

Here’s another hint: You can easily see what you’re holding in your mind. Watch what you’re saying all the time. Watch what you’re thinking. And, you can see what you’re holding in your mind by paying attention to your feelings.

Now remember, this is not about affirmations. This is not about hanging signs around your house and car. This is about holding in mind what you want. You do that by dropping thoughts, words or feelings which express what you don’t want.

The Third Habit

Make a commitment to be positive and loving, in spite of what’s happening. Decide: “I’m going to be positive and loving in spite of whatever is happening.” Make that your motto.

Be positive in spite of what happens. You live your life automatically reacting with emotions you learned as small kid.

You’re not a kid anymore (at least I hope so, if you have the patience of reading this!), but you’re still doing the same thing. End the habit of automatically reacting. It’s just a decision. Something happens that seems to be negative. You react. You leave the present moment and you go off. Does that ever solve anything?

Anger, breaking into hysteria, feeling bad because someone gave you a dirty look or disagreed with you? Negative, negative behavior doesn’t do anything for you except make you more negative and non-loving.

It never solves anything. It never helps anything. Perhaps you know that. Perhaps you even agree with me, because you have experienced it yourself many, many times. But we all like to avoid a decision. However, I strongly recommend that you make a decision - I am going to be loving and positive in spite of whatever happens.

Remember the hot metal rod? Begin by letting go of the hot metal rod called negative, non-loving reactions. Try it. Prove it to yourself. Be positive and loving in spite of whatever happens, whatever is going on, whatever they’re doing or saying. Be positive and loving and watch what happens.

When you’re positive and loving in spite of whatever, you’re moving over to the side of love. Love conquers all. Love transforms. Love is the answer.

Try to be positive and loving in spite of whatever happens. Should I be saying that – “Try”? As Yoda once told Skywalker – there is no try… you either do it or don’t.

I bet, you will be one of the happiest and you will have most of the things that you want in life. Of course I am not some crazy nut telling you that be positive and think that you are going to get a million dollars tomorrow and perhaps in a month or two, you would get it. Of course not. The world, the universe does not work that way. One has to direct conscious thought and then follow up with relevant actions to get from point A to point B. what positive thinking helps with is ensuring that we do not get discouraged if the journey from point A to Point B happens to long, tiring and arduous.

Prove it to yourself. I always thought good luck was something mysterious that happened to people for no good reason. Now perhaps I am beginning to understand.

ACTION solves almost all the challenges in life!

Feeling depressed for some reason? I was, after almost a week "down-time" with a gastro infection which was followed up by a viral… and started searching for how to kick the depression (all those medicine…)

I found a nice set of tricks to kick the depression out… don’t know the origin of these recommendations, but they work… sort of :-)

First trick:
Get out of your head and into your feet

The body craves movement. Exercise really works. Let's not think of it as exercise though. Nothing is gnarlier to the depressed person than imagining him/herself at the gym in ill fitting sweats, panting on the stair master while svelte athletes are bopping around in all directions. As Woody Allen says, 90% of success is showing up. Once we've got our walking shoes on, once we get endorphins cooking, the doldrums have less power to penetrate.

Second trick:
Turn on music! Now!

I recommend that my clients have an arsenal of inspiring and fun music at their fingertips. I have even been known to make CD's for my clients. When we're depressed, the smallest task feels overwhelming. . If I can kick-start someone's joy, then I am thrilled.

Third trick:
Turn on the light and sit in the sun. Many of us work in windowless cubicles or offices, and wonder why we feel blue.

This time of year, if there is no sun in your world, then buy a full-spectrum light. Get one cheap on E-bay.

Fourth trick:
Hang out with 4-leggeds. (Unless of course, you're allergic)

Having an animal companion near can instantly release oxytocin, that magical hormone that we secrete when we fall in love, give birth, or are nursing. It releases a feeling of goodwill, or trust in the world. OK, so not all of all are blessed to be in love all the time, or be breast feeding, so I recommend my clients find other ways to bring on the joy chemical. Read on.

Fifth trick:
Change your thoughts. Right now.

We have around 60,000.00 thoughts per day. 87% of them are negative and are the same thoughts we had yesterday. Experiencing joy is a deliberate choice. Joy takes practice. Joy is hardcore. I use realistic affirmations, which, at times are posted all over my room. Notice I said realistic.

We must remember that affirmations don't make something happen, they make something welcome. People tell me, "I put an affirmation up on my bedroom wall, saying: “I am going to be hugely successful in the stock markets and get rich." It's been 3 months. Where is the money?" I tell them; "You have made yourself more open to making money. But have you tried doing anything in that direction? Sorry."

Sixth Trick:
Follow a joyous lifestyle. Choose joyous entertainment.
Find a class, a workout, anything that gets you in your body, preferably sweating a bit.

Seventh Trick:
Affirm joy with words.

Rudyard Kipling said "I am by calling a dealer in words. And words are by far the most powerful drug in the world". It may seem trite, but changing the way we speak can be extremely influential in changing our moods.

Eighth Trick:
Grab hold of a goal.

Make it a do-able one. Happiness and joy come from goals. We mustn't put off our lives.

Ninth Trick:
Cultivate a relationship with the divine.

We are whom our higher self wanted to experience. There is some truth to the pithy phrase: There’s no atheist in foxholes. Have a smidgens of faith and the world can be a gentler space.

Tenth Trick:
Choose joyous companions.

When we are depressed, we take our bored, sluggish selves wherever we go. We need distractions. We need company. We need intimacy. It is very important to be around authentic people. We need someone who believes in us. No nay-Sayers!