Today, I committed to the Search for Happiness, and over the next 365 days, I intend to document my feelings, insights, and observations into what I perceive as happiness. My hope is that, along the way, I might find aspects that highlight happiness, the path to happiness, or just reflections that can help anyone in any way. It's funny how the moment I chose to document this journey and commit to this adventure, I became so much more conscious of observing my surroundings and being present in the moment. Over the course of my life, especially in the past few years, I have found that being present in the moment and taking everything at face value can contribute greatly to creating contentment, and I believe, in ways, happiness is an outcome of contentment. I found myself observing my surroundings in more detail than usual. But, as opposed to just observing and appreciating the moment, I found myself recording the feelings in more detail: a smile from my children as we left the house to begin the day, a large tree swaying gently in the wind, simply having a smooth car ride into the city. Small things that may seem so insignificant, when seen in the right light of your mind, can pay dividends. As long as you allow yourself to appreciate everything for what it is, I think you may create outputs that contribute to outcomes in the form of happiness. Although, as I write and try to reconcile my day and all of the elements that contributed to my happiness—growth, meditation, self-reflection, struggle—I'm finding myself trying to search for additional elements to draw on and, in turn, closing off some sections of my train of thought. Balance, I believe, is a key pillar in finding happiness, and the ability to compartmentalize and not overindulge is a crucial element in this. I will definitely dive deeper into the key pillars, but an interesting insight to myself into deciphering, unwinding, processing the Search for Happiness.
Day 001 / 365