What is the difference between short-term, temporary happiness and long term happiness?
Well, long term happiness may not have an immediate result, and in this fast-paced culture, the quicker the better, so short-term happiness it is. But is it worth it? It it worth the quick-lived satisfaction that fades away and just leaves us wanting more? No, it's not worth it. I picture a mouse running on a wheel. It's probably having the time of its life but does it realize that it's going nowhere fast? How awful would it be to be compared to a small, mindless creature. Humans were not made to be like that. We were all made for a bigger purpose that has a ripple effect throughout the world. We weren't meant to be compared to mice, dogs, and other creatures. We were meant to take care of the world we live in.
So what if we made decisions based on the long-term. It's thought-provoking, is it not?
What if every time we had a decision to make, it was followed by the question "How will this impact me and others around me in the future?"
You see, there has to be a bigger motive. There must be a bigger picture in mind, otherwise who cares how it impacts others? Right?
So, let's think about our loved ones. Yes, I'm aware of the fact that we live in a "ME" generation and that "our decisions only affect me and no one else", but in reality that is not true at all. We might want it to just be about us, but it never is. People are always affected by our decisions. So, again, let's think about our loved ones. Then we can think about our friends and people who we care very much about. How will our decision affect them? It may seem a little annoying and even unnecessary to think about others when it comes to personal decisions, but we have to. Imagine a life of just simple pleasures and self-satisfaction with no one to share it with. It sounds like a lonely, sad life. In order to share life and our victories, we must also consider others.
So the long term choices may not seem so bad now, so we can start by living life. If you have ever given someone something, knowing they could not pay you back or did a kind deed without recognition, you know what I mean. It's a great feeling. Why? Because people were meant to help each other! We were meant to make each other's lives easier and act as little angels. This is what long-term happiness feels like. When we think of the future, plan for it and have others in mind, the ripple-effect is now in action.
You see, the pursuit of happiness is not achieved within ourselves or material things, but by a bigger purpose far greater than us. When we accept this and live for God & others, being the best we can be, happiness is achieved.
Well, long term happiness may not have an immediate result, and in this fast-paced culture, the quicker the better, so short-term happiness it is. But is it worth it? It it worth the quick-lived satisfaction that fades away and just leaves us wanting more? No, it's not worth it. I picture a mouse running on a wheel. It's probably having the time of its life but does it realize that it's going nowhere fast? How awful would it be to be compared to a small, mindless creature. Humans were not made to be like that. We were all made for a bigger purpose that has a ripple effect throughout the world. We weren't meant to be compared to mice, dogs, and other creatures. We were meant to take care of the world we live in.
So what if we made decisions based on the long-term. It's thought-provoking, is it not?
What if every time we had a decision to make, it was followed by the question "How will this impact me and others around me in the future?"
You see, there has to be a bigger motive. There must be a bigger picture in mind, otherwise who cares how it impacts others? Right?
So, let's think about our loved ones. Yes, I'm aware of the fact that we live in a "ME" generation and that "our decisions only affect me and no one else", but in reality that is not true at all. We might want it to just be about us, but it never is. People are always affected by our decisions. So, again, let's think about our loved ones. Then we can think about our friends and people who we care very much about. How will our decision affect them? It may seem a little annoying and even unnecessary to think about others when it comes to personal decisions, but we have to. Imagine a life of just simple pleasures and self-satisfaction with no one to share it with. It sounds like a lonely, sad life. In order to share life and our victories, we must also consider others.
So the long term choices may not seem so bad now, so we can start by living life. If you have ever given someone something, knowing they could not pay you back or did a kind deed without recognition, you know what I mean. It's a great feeling. Why? Because people were meant to help each other! We were meant to make each other's lives easier and act as little angels. This is what long-term happiness feels like. When we think of the future, plan for it and have others in mind, the ripple-effect is now in action.
You see, the pursuit of happiness is not achieved within ourselves or material things, but by a bigger purpose far greater than us. When we accept this and live for God & others, being the best we can be, happiness is achieved.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:4-9
Live with love & happiness,
Helen
Patience is a virtue my Mom always told me growing up. Not really understanding what it all meant when I was younger is understandable but now it really seems to matter. Having short term goals and long term goals is necessary. Usually people living "in the moment" or day by day are the most unhappy due to the fact of that short term happiness or just the inability to have patience and goals I believe above the problems they face in that moment. How can you be happy if you don't have a plan or know where you are going in life...What is your purpose basically.
ReplyDeleteJust my thoughts...
-Andrew