Our Generation's Never-Ending Search for Happiness

So I read another person's blog today, and I was struck by it. http://www.ohisshe.blogspot.com/ Basically, the writer comments on how we are always looking for better, bigger, faster, and in our never-ending search for "something better", we can't seem to be happy with all that we already have. Oh how true that is. Though I like to think that I remember to stop, look around and say "thank you" for all the blessing in my life, my number one source of unhappiness is getting caught up in what I wish I had more of. More money, more stuff, more time, more adoration, more laughter.

When we focus too hard on all that's missing from our lives, OF COURSE we're never going to be happy or satisfied. But when we try to focus instead on what all we have, how far we've come, how lucky we are as compared to others, life is pretty good.

There are reminders all around us just how short life can be, and just how easy it is to miss an opportunity. Today really may be as good as it ever gets. Today really may be your last day. So rather than focusing on how much better things could be/should be/you hope will be tomorrow, why not just enjoy TODAY to the fullest and appreciate those people and things around you. If you live your life like everyone and everything around you isn't quite good enough, it's not just an insult to yourself, it's also an insult to the people and things in your life too. Heaven forbid you get so wrapped up in wishing for more that you drive away the good things you already have.

The word "entitlement" comes to mind. It has become sort of a dirty word these days. We use it to chastise those who think that they are owed something by society or our government. We refer to a person's sense of entitlement with disgust as we describe a lazy co-worker, classmate or friend. And yet, our entire generation has grown up with a sense of entitlement. We all think that we are entitled to a six-figure salary, a 4 bedroom 3 bath ranch in an upscale neighborhood, a boss who appreciates us, supportive friends who never "take" too much, parents that respect our space and independence but yet are there whenever WE need them, a significant other who is just a little too good for us but thinks of us and treats us like we're just a little too good for them, and on and on. Hell, I want all those things, and when someone or something falls short of my expectations, I feel sorry for myself.

I actually have the gall to feel pity for myself, for how life has short-changed me at that particular moment. I mean, I feel like an ass even admitting this. I literally day dream about how much better things will be one day, and yet I look back longingly on the past and think how much easier it was then, when I was younger, more carefree. Hellllooooo, it's not getting any easier as time goes on. Life isn't getting any better. My looks aren't getting any better. Really, the only thing that I can hope will get better is my attitude, my ability to appreciate and make the most of what I have. Men don't get better with age, jobs, friends, parents, our bodies. It all gets harder with age. And think about older people who are truly happy. It's not that they have more stuff or whatever. It's all in their attitude. They appreciate the things around them, they're friendly and generous, they see the good in things that seem to have very little good.

I apologize for the soap box. It just really hit me this morning how easy it is to forget just how lucky we are and to, instead, be focused completely on what MORE we wish we had. There will always be something "more" out there, but typically, "more" in one respect means "less" in another. I guess the real question is what is "enough". Or maybe the question isn't even what is "enough", but rather how can I make the most of what I already HAVE. It seems to me that that was the question my parents and grandparents asked, and I'm not really so sure that they had it all that wrong.