When it comes to aspirations, it is easy to let the mind wander to thoughts of money, fame, a solid job, a comfortable life or some other nonsensical idea of what we have been raised to believe we need to be successful. I’ll be honest, I spent the first 30 years of my life aspiring to complete my education, get a good job and buy a house. Once I had these things, there was still something inside my mind telling me (or at times screaming!) that there was more to our short time on this earth than doing things that generally don’t make us happy.
Like most people who find themselves in this situation, I put all of my efforts into trying to ignore what my subconscious was telling me. After a while, it became clear that this wasn’t only an ineffective way of dealing with things but was changing me as a person. I began to resent a lot of things in my life. I began to blame my frustrations with the world on those who were closest to me.
It takes a lot of work and willpower to pull yourself out of a ‘funk’ such as this. I decided to concentrate on the things in my life that made me happy, those that gave me joy. I made a conscious decision to spend more time with family and those friends who brought joy to my life. I set aside time during the week to cook new things, to get outdoors and spend more time in the ocean, to take photos and to write. During this time, I also made a conscious decision to stop spending my money on insignificant material items and stash away my hard-earned pennies to travel.
While aspirations are different for all of us, the one thing that I aspire to is to see as much of the world as I can in the short time I am here. I want to make a positive impact on the places I visit and I hope that in return, the people and cultures I bump into along the way shape me into a better, more complete human being. For me, this is the meaning of happiness and joy.
LeftWithLouie 
Sounds like you have a good grip on yourself and what you want. I am still struggling and it’s nice to see that some people really do find their happy!
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Sometimes it is easiest to focus on the few things that make you truly happy and use that as a starting point. It took me a long time and a lot of trial and error to realise what those things were and sort them from the unimportant things. Good luck and thanks for stopping by 🙂
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Beautiful. Isn’t it funny and amazing (and fortunate) to have that realization that our life is a fleeting glimpse in the huge galactic circus. It’s too darn short to be spent doing things that don’t make us come alive. Thank you.
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It is a gift to view the world in that way. It is so easy to get caught up in the unimportant things in life and forget to do those things that truly matter and make us happy. Thanks for stopping by -Louie
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Indeed it is. Namaste.
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I have lived a wonderful life that followed the typical plan of, good education, good job, the security of marraige, owning my own home and bringing up amazing children. I would never trade what i have for the world. Now i am nearing retirement, i realise that it is time for me to follow my own dreams. This for me means not wasting my life in a job that gives me constant stress, having time everyday to enjoy nature, improve my Italian language skills, travel the world without any time constraints, catch up with friends and much loved family more often and to give a little back by doing some volunteer work. I have learned that life is too precious not to follow our heart and find what satisfies our soul.
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Indeed! As difficult as it can be at times to realise this early in life, it is better than getting to the end and wish you had done it differently. I’d never take back anything from the past as I wouldn’t be who I am today without those things happening. It is how we choose to deal with and process the past that is important as we can’t change that no matter how hard we try.
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My husband and I were also in this “funk” 8 years ago, and then made the big decision to travel around the world for a year. It was an amazing experience, and since that time I’ve gradually filled my life with all the activities I’m curious and interested in, rather than storing them away for “someday”. I wrote a travel memoir about our world trip called “Finding Home: A Creative Journey on a Trip Around the World”. More info about my book is at http://vickialayne.com/shop/. I wish you all the best!
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That sounds great. I think it just takes a simple reset or a step back to evaluate life and appreciate all the good things you have. Thanks for dropping by 🙂 Louie
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I completely identify with this especially today. Talked to a man yesterday who told me to not be scared to pick a passion, dive in head first and put in a lot of effort. Half the battle I feel is being brave enough to. I guess that’s different from what you posted but that’s what I have to offer 🙂
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I completely agree. I find that even though you focus on the things you enjoy doing, there are still times when I second guess myself and my decisions. As you say, half the battle is being brave and backing yourself and your choices 🙂
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