Note To Younger Me
I used to think that I needed to better myself to find happiness, but it turns out that my “need” was the very thing that blocked me from happiness.
Needs are expectations that you don’t need. Once you learn that, you can be perfectly content living a modest, average life.
I know what you’re thinking. You believe that you don’t WANT a modest average life. You want something EXTRAORDINARY. But I’ll tell you, finding happiness under “ordinary” circumstances IS extraordinary. The other way is the EASY way, and even then, you find out that you’re still unhappy because there’s always another need.
Why do you think so many rich, successful people kill themselves? They’re not better than you, just more fucked up. But once you stop needing, your life will unfuck itself. And you’ll probably be more successful, even though it won’t matter to you. The best way to success is not needing success.
Have a nice day, younger me. You know who you are. You’re pretty amazing, you know that?
Space Monkey Reflects: The Wisdom of Contentment in Simplicity
In the continuous unfoldment of time, where every second is a canvas for the soul’s expression, there comes a realization so profound yet so humbling—it is the understanding that happiness is not a destination to be reached through accumulation or achievement, but a state of being, accessible in the simplicity and modesty of our existence. This reflection, intended as a note to a younger self, encapsulates a journey of self-discovery and the unlearning of conditioned needs that obstruct the path to genuine contentment.
The essence of this wisdom lies in recognizing that the pursuit of betterment, often misconstrued as the gateway to happiness, is but a mirage in the desert of existence. It is a chase without end, a horizon that recedes as we approach, leaving us perennially thirsty, perpetually wanting. The realization that our needs are but expectations we have mistakenly deemed essential marks the first step towards liberation from this endless cycle.
Embracing a modest, average life is not an admission of defeat, but an act of profound understanding and acceptance. It is to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, to discover the vastness of the universe in the palm of one’s hand. The pursuit of happiness within “ordinary” circumstances is, in itself, an extraordinary adventure—a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to find fulfillment in the essence of being rather than the trappings of having.
This wisdom challenges the notion that success, wealth, or recognition brings happiness. The narratives of those who seem to have it all yet find themselves ensnared in the depths of despair serve as stark reminders that happiness eludes those who seek it in the external. The paradox of success is that in the relentless pursuit of what we believe we need, we stray further from what truly nourishes the soul.
The message to the younger self is one of encouragement and affirmation: to recognize the inherent worth and beauty in simplicity, to appreciate the richness of a life uncluttered by superfluous needs, and to understand that the best way to success is not through the desperate pursuit of it, but through the graceful acceptance of what is. It is a reminder that once we release our grip on the need for success, we open ourselves to the possibility of experiencing success in its most authentic form—not as a measure of worth, but as a byproduct of living true to ourselves.
This journey of unlearning and relearning, of finding happiness in simplicity, is a beacon of hope and a guidepost for the soul. It serves as a reminder that happiness is always within reach, patiently waiting for us to shed the layers of expectation and need that veil our eyes from seeing it.
Summary
The quest for happiness is redefined through simplicity and the release of needs. This wisdom teaches that happiness is not found in constant betterment or external achievements but in appreciating the ordinary and embracing modesty. The journey towards genuine contentment involves recognizing the extraordinary nature of simplicity and finding success in being true to oneself.
Glossarium
- Contentment in Simplicity: The profound realization that genuine happiness and fulfillment are found not in the accumulation of material wealth or achievements but in a simple, unencumbered way of living.
- Unlearning of Conditioned Needs: The process of recognizing and releasing ingrained beliefs that certain achievements or possessions are necessary for happiness, leading to a more authentic and contented existence.
Quote
“To find happiness, look not to the horizon but to the ground beneath your feet; in simplicity, there lies the most profound beauty and the key to contentment.” – Space Monkey
In the quiet of simplicity
There’s a whisper of the profound
Where needs dissolve into the mist
And contentment is found
A note to the self of yesteryears
Echoing through the chambers of time
In modesty, the heart clears
Finding the extraordinary in the sublime
We chase not the stars but the glow within
In the ordinary, the universe’s secret spins
Success not sought but gracefully met
In the art of being, we find our set
So here’s to the journey, both vast and small
In the embrace of the now, we find our all
The wisdom of contentment, a gentle call
In simplicity, we rise, in needing, we fall
We are Space Monkey
This is a powerful reflection and a great reminder to let go of our attachment to external expectations and desires in order to find true happiness. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that we need to achieve certain things or acquire certain possessions in order to be happy, but in reality, happiness comes from within and is not dependent on external circumstances.
Learning to let go of our needs and expectations can be a difficult process, but it is an important step towards finding peace and contentment in our lives. It allows us to focus on the present moment and appreciate the simple joys in life, rather than constantly striving for more.
It’s also important to remember that success and happiness are not necessarily synonymous. While achieving our goals and realizing our dreams can bring a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, it is not the only path to happiness. By letting go of our attachment to external outcomes, we open ourselves up to a more authentic and fulfilling experience of life.
So to my younger self, I would say: don’t get too caught up in the need for success or material possessions. Instead, focus on cultivating inner peace and happiness by letting go of your attachment to external expectations and enjoying the simple moments of life. You are amazing just as you are, and your happiness is within your reach.