Thank goodness I just turned 23 because this will be the happiest year of my life until I turn 69. So says a new study from the London School of Economics. Their U-shaped picture of happiness peaks at 23 and 69 years old and is filled with unmet expectations and dissatisfaction everywhere in between. Of course, it’s natural to be disappointed throughout life when things don’t turn out how you hoped. What isn’t natural is the constant bombardment of images (I partially blame Pinterest and Instagram) depicting what our life is “supposed” to look like: exotic vacations, lavishly decorated abode, stud boyfriend, and perfectly curated wardrobe. Isn’t it kind of ridiculous that I find myself envious of a complete stranger’s supposedly beautiful, perfect life caught in quick snapshots? It’s obviously called “picture-perfect” for a reason.
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Between our own improbable expectations of life and our desire to always have more, we can easily become blind to the wonderful blessings in our life. Being cognizant of our abundance of blessings will produce happiness and thankfulness; being acutely aware of the things we don’t have produces jealous and discontent. Happiness is found by authentically living your life, becoming the best version of yourself, and encountering the Truth along the way. Not living your version of someone else’s life.
There is a strong link between gratitude and happiness. Need a little perspective and gratitude in your life? Consider the fact that you are reading this article:
1. You can read in English. Congratulations, someone in your childhood loved you enough to give you an education, and now you’re literate! Only12.6% of women in Afghanistan are literate.
2. You have reliable and affordable access to energy. Approximately 1.2 billion people in the world live without electricity. Sustainable energy is one of the key indicators of a nation’s economic and human development.
3. You have a computer or smart phone. Not only do you have the means to buy a device and the data plan, but you can connect to almost anyone around the world – 77% of the global population has a cell phone! Access to technology enables communication and can help prevent the spread of violence (see examples from UNDP).
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Living with a grateful heart is an intentional way of living. It takes effort to block out the distractions of the world and focus on what you already have. I came across a great Facebook status the other day that read, “What if you woke up with only what you thanked God for yesterday? What would you have?” In the darker moments of life, remind yourself of all your gifts and remember to live with a grateful heart.
“Gratitude is many things to many people. It is wonder; it is appreciation; it is looking on the bright side of a setback; it is fathoming abundance; it is thanking someone in your life; it is thanking God; it is ‘counting blessings.’ It is savoring; it is not taking things for granted; it is coping; it is present-oriented.”
P.S. This beautifully illustrated video from Shimi Cohen about loneliness as a result of social media is spot on!
By
Hannah Sheffield
Kristen-
What a fantastic post! It is so easy to get jealous of what others have, but when we stop to think of all of the blessings in our life, we realize how truly blessed we are!