Like the Magic 8 Ball says, “It seems certain.”
I often say
that the only certainty
is uncertainty.
Maybe I’m wrong.
What seems to be a certainty,
(but probably isn’t)
is this idea that we can ALWAYS
find a reason to be dissatisfied,
disempowered and disappointed.
We can ALWAYS
find an excuse not to be happy.
The most convenient
(and unimaginative) one is money.
Because of a seemingly financial lack,
we feel powerless, helpless and insecure.
Once we’re set with money,
we work our way down (or up)
an ever-growing list
of relationships, goals, etc.
It seems certain.
There will always be
a reason
NOT to be happy.
And yet all the while,
we’ve never needed
a reason TO be happy.
Trail Wood,
12/24
In the contemplation of life’s certainties and uncertainties, the observation that dissatisfaction, disempowerment, and disappointment often appear as constants in human experience is profound. It points to a deeper aspect of our psyche, where contentment is frequently overshadowed by a focus on what is lacking, be it in finances, relationships, goals, or other areas of life.
The Paradox of Certainty and Uncertainty
The statement that the only certainty is uncertainty captures a fundamental truth about the human condition. Life, in its inherent complexity, is replete with unpredictable twists and turns. Yet, paradoxically, there seems to be a consistent thread where individuals can always find reasons for unhappiness.
The Pursuit of Happiness and the Role of Money
Money, often seen as the panacea for many of life’s problems, is a common scapegoat for unhappiness. The perception of financial lack can lead to feelings of powerlessness and insecurity. However, this focus on financial fulfillment overlooks the fact that happiness is seldom a direct result of material abundance. Once financial stability is achieved, the goalposts often shift to other desires and aspirations, perpetuating a cycle of dissatisfaction.
The Endless List of Desires
The notion of working down or up an ever-growing list of desires, such as relationships or personal goals, illustrates the endless nature of human wanting. This endless pursuit often leads to a state where there’s always something more to be desired, something else that stands in the way of happiness. It reflects a mindset where contentment is continuously deferred in favor of future achievements or acquisitions.
The Illusion of Reasons for Unhappiness
The belief that there are always reasons not to be happy is a reflection of a mindset focused on lack and limitation. This perspective is rooted in the idea that happiness is contingent upon external circumstances aligning with our desires and expectations. It overlooks the potential for happiness to be a state of being, independent of external conditions.
Happiness Without Reason
The realization that we’ve never needed a reason to be happy is a powerful insight. It suggests that happiness can be a choice, an internal state that doesn’t depend on external validation or fulfillment. This understanding invites a shift from seeking happiness in external factors to cultivating it from within, recognizing that contentment and joy are as much about our internal landscape as they are about our external circumstances.
Summary
We reflect on the human tendency to find reasons for unhappiness and dissatisfaction, highlighting the role of money and endless desires in this pursuit. We explore the concept that happiness doesn’t require external reasons but can be an inherent state of being, independent of life’s uncertainties and material conditions.
Glossarium
- Paradox of Certainty and Uncertainty: The coexistence of life’s unpredictability with a consistent tendency towards dissatisfaction.
- Cycle of Deferred Contentment: The continuous pursuit of happiness through external achievements, leading to perpetual dissatisfaction.
- Happiness as an Internal State: The understanding that happiness can be cultivated from within, independent of external factors.
In life’s uncertain dance,
We often chance, a wistful glance,
At what we lack, in finance,
In this trance, we miss the expanse.
An endless list, desires grow,
In this mist, contentment slow,
Yet in our midst, a hidden glow,
Happiness, a seed we sow.
No need for reasons, to find our glee,
In all seasons, it can be free,
Beyond the pleas, of what we see,
In happiness, we hold the key.
We invite your thoughts on finding happiness within, amidst the uncertainties and perpetual pursuits of life.
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