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If you’ve ever been to New York City, you’ve witnessed the manifestation of the happiness myth at its best. People in the city are literally running from one thing to the next thing to the next. Always striving to be somewhere other than where they are.
So what exactly is the happiness myth?
The greatest myth of happiness is that it lies somewhere in the future.
I’ll say it again: The greatest myth of happiness is that it is in the future. Somewhere out there. Attached to some thing, some achievement, some success. And only when we finally reach it, do we get to experience it.
Have you ever said or felt any of the following?
When I’m in love, THEN I’ll be so joyful.
When my partner just gives me what I need, THEN I’ll finally stop complaining.
When I make $100,000, THEN I’ll be free to travel and do what I truly want.
When I’m a size 2 or have a six pack, THEN I’ll have the confidence to go for my dreams.
Source: The Myth of Happiness That Will Prevent You From Being Truly Happy
Hi,
This is an interesting read that connects with our discussion on maintaining positive emotional wellbeing as seen through Inside Out – aka it’s OK to have sadness, fear, disgust and anger in our lives, but it’s important to control these emotions.
The Myth of Happiness also connects with the strategy of mindfulness (being mindful of the present and not dwelling in the past or worrying about the future)
Enjoy!
JH