Distorted

galenkp in Reflections • 3 months ago

---__..__.--.---..--.-....-_-..-.--.-..-....-.---...-.-..JPG

I think it's fair to say most people seek and actively try to achieve happiness; isn't that what life is about after all?

People want to have an enjoyable life, be fulfilled, to be heard, to love and be loved, to find success (whatever that looks and feels like to them) and generally have health and wellbeing; I think it's those things and the feelings they bring that, once attained, are what people might look upon as having found happiness.

I wonder though, are people chasing things that will never make them happy? Is people's view and perception of what will make them happy distorted? Do people even know if it is or not?

This is just my opinion, but I think so many people have a distorted view of what will make them happy and spend valuable time and energy pursuing those things which ultimately don't fulfill that need...and many delude themselves that those things are actually bringing the happiness they seek. Why? Well, I blame a lot of it on television, social media, marketing, consumerism, greed, hubris and selfishness among other things.

What is true happiness? That's something only each person can answer for themselves.

I have my own sense of it such as the feeling I get when I'm with nature, simplicity in life, being with my partner, the sense of achievement, the feeling I get when I help someone, eating a good pizza or other food, the smell of vanilla, cut grass, petrichor (the smell of the earth after rainfall), the feeling of being loved and desired, travelling, feeling healthy and fit and my niece and nephew make me happy too. There's other things, so many things, and I think it's important to know what they are, it's important to a person's life to be able to list and define them. I also believe it's important for those things to come from within and not be influenced by marketing and media or motivated by greed, selfishness, hubris and other such emotions. That's just me though.

I feel strongly that many people's view on happiness is distorted and they set out on and follow the wrong paths because of that distortion. I wonder what you think. Feel free to comment if you like.

Design and create your ideal life, tomorrow isn't promised - galenkp

_{[Original and AI free]}
_{Image(s) in this post are my own}

3 months ago in Reflections by galenkp

0.00 ALIVE

Sort:

bigtom13 3 months ago

I am a happy man. Genuinely.

I have an absolutely wonderful family, people I genuinely like. The best dog in Arizona spends time with me.

I have people in my life that I truly enjoy and pretty darn few I have to react with that I don't particularly care for.

It's taken years of careful curation and action to get here, and truth is, I've enjoyed the process for the most part.

I live in a place where I can find something to occupy my curiosity whenever I am so inclined.

All that, plus I have a damn fine motorcycle to throw a leg over. Life is really good.

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

You always struck me as someone who has found a good degree of happiness, genuine happiness. Sure, things go wrong, that happens to all of us, but to have that ingrained sense of happiness and contentment helps to minimise it. I think that feeling is not something just happens, it takes work...some aren't prepared to do the work and some are.

Thanks for commenting, I appreciate it.

0.00 ALIVE

edith-4angelseu 3 months ago

Yes, people's senses of what makes them happy is distorted because they frequently pursue materialism, seeking external validation but that usually ends in futility. True happiness comes from the inside and from very simple things, relationships and Nature topping the list.

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

A materialistic nature is rarely going to get a person anywhere good.

0.00 ALIVE

melody1999 3 months ago

Thank you for this publication, it is very important for everyone, because in my case...from the moment I began to delve into it I was thinking at the same time how happy I am and what I have done so far to achieve some of that happiness.
Well, I declare myself a very happy person, I have the joy of having an excellent family and of enjoying every moment of the antics of two little girls.
And although for many people in this world this is not enough, I believe that this is the basis for new ideas to emerge to enjoy in other areas.
Happy weekend

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

Many people don't know how to find or create lasting and deep happiness, it's quite sad for them. It's often through simple things done often that a person will design a sustainable happiness and I think everyone should be focusing on finding it.

0.00 ALIVE

ruffatotmeee 3 months ago

I say, temporary happiness, that's what I felt whenever I'm holding my phone, whenever I'm watching anime series or whenever I read manhwa. It put smile on me and it makes me feel relax, calm, contented, but all of them are temporary. But at least, it made me happy, even in a short time. And I think it's real happiness, only it is just temporary.

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

If a person can find lasting and sustained happiness then I think that person has found one of the most valuable elements of a great life.

0.00 ALIVE

avdesing 3 months ago

I think it is real that many have a distorted view of happiness, some focused on material things.

For me it is an inner state, as if it were a feeling, something that comes from within each one of us, but we have to discover it.

There are also moments that bring moments of happiness, in my case the affection of my cats, walking in nature, drinking mate with good company, a delicious plate of pasta, a beautiful chat with someone you love, standing in front of the sea and admiring it... simple things in life with a prepared soul.

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

If people looked more inwardly, outwardly they'd be better people.

0.00 ALIVE

avdesing 3 months ago

You said it, that's right.

0.00 ALIVE

urrirru 3 months ago

Happiness is enjoying the things you love every day. And don’t do work you don’t like.

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

Seems like a reasonable way to describe it.

0.00 ALIVE

molometer 3 months ago

Many people create and generate their own reality distortion field that they actually believe to the detriment of everyone around them.
They think they will be happy if they only could get x y or z.
When they get x y or z they then go after the next thing....whatever it is.
Never knowing happiness and then they die leaving a trail of destroyed lives behind them,

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

Yep, well said...that's consumerism in a nutshell also huh?

0.00 ALIVE

molometer 3 months ago

Yep it's all related.

0.00 ALIVE

adaluna1973 3 months ago

Yes, happiness.

For me, happiness in recent years has been about finding a balance: doing what I need to survive with consistency and discipline, and then having enough space and means to fill them with actions that bring me happiness.

Maybe they seem conditioned by each other, and maybe some of my happiness actions don't need it (the simplest ones), but my emotional balance does, and I will certainly feel more fulfilled that way, and calmer too.

Is there anything more pleasurable than sitting in front of the sea and breathing in all those fish and shells?

For me, happiness is a lot of little things, but also things that are not countable? Of course, I do them for my personal satisfaction, not for anyone else to value them.

The happiness that buying a new pair of shoes brings us is not at all comparable to rescuing a sick and abandoned animal from the streets, a happy child because you have given him a sweet, because you take him to a park, because you tell him a story and he laughs, because you see him healthy and happy, because he hugs you and tells you that he loves you, and because you have contributed to his happiness all the time.
There is nothing that gives more happiness than giving without receiving.

My husband is so altruistic that he has his shop window empty from giving away his clothes, and me fighting after him, I don't quite understand that it makes him happy.

Thank you @galenkp , your texts always inspire me to come back.

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

Everyone's idea of happiness is different and sometimes is not something we understand but if it works for that person and causes no harm than I think it's ok. Of course, balance is required as you say.

I'm glad you find something of value in my posts and that you take the time to comment occasionally.

0.00 ALIVE

adaluna1973 3 months ago

Your publications are all exceptional, and believe it or not I always try to read them.

Yes, I know I've been inconsistent around here, but I have a need to pour myself into Hive again. It's been a tough few days.

The weekend is coming up, let's get to it.

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

I woke up only an hour ago, Friday morning...I'm looking forward to the weekend and to Friday going fast!

Thanks for your nice comment.

0.00 ALIVE

adaluna1973 3 months ago

Right, it's already Friday on that side of the world.

🔥

0.00 ALIVE

seki1 3 months ago

It is possible that people are chasing things that are just out of reach..

I saw a quote...

Well lad, it's tough that your dreams got squashed, but on the other hand, if all your dreams were fulfilled then there would be nothing to look forward too...

Heard the quote today and since then I've been thinking about it...

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

Yeah, that's a relevant quote, thanks for sharing.

0.00 ALIVE

outwars 3 months ago

I do believe that people seek happiness. But, there are different types of happiness. One way to differentiate them is temporary and fulfilling happiness. Temporary is when people buy things they want, but not necessarily need. Things like excess clothes, toys, There's nothing wrong with doing it from time to time to reward themselves, but when it becomes an addiction and they do it for the 'high', that's when it becomes a waste. I think this is what most go for because it is a low hanging fruit.

The fulfilling happiness is usually when we do something not for ourselves; doing charity, making our love ones happy, etc. Getting something that we need or worked hard for also falls into this; like buying a house, getting the first car, etc. It's a shame that people don't put more effort into this, and take it for granted. This is the one that gives longer lasting happiness, and can even create lasting memories that they can look back to.

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

Everyone has a different view of what makes them happy, either lasting or temporarily, and it's unique generally. I think the problem comes when their view of it is skewed by marketing and consumerism.

0.00 ALIVE

bozz 3 months ago

I think the biggest problem with happiness is that it's a moving target. Either that or like you said, people are chasing after the wrong things. I just feel like there is always something more people want to attain whether it be things or achievements or whatever. You might get one, but you are immediately looking towards the next one, so any happiness you might have is pretty fleeting.

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

Of course it's a moving target, but I don't see that as a problem because life constantly moves...if we all chased in our 40's what made us happy when we were 5 years old it'd be a pretty fucked up situation. So what we see as happiness is a moving target...the problem is many have an unclear view of what that is I think.

Also yep, constantly seeking more and more (consumerism for instance) won't lead to true happiness.

0.00 ALIVE

bozz 3 months ago

Yeah, I think that last part is more what I was leaning towards. It's just sad that many of us can't be content.

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

Yeah I figured. It's sad that people attach their sense of happiness to things (iPhones for instance) and true happiness eludes them. I'm so glad I'm not that way inclined.

0.00 ALIVE

bozz 3 months ago

For sure!

0.00 ALIVE

bostonadventures 3 months ago

My wife and kids bring me so much joy. Whether we're hiking, playing, or just cuddling, those moments make me happy. It’s also wonderful to see them spend time with their grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Knowing they have such a strong support system is great.

I find joy in learning about different cultures and understanding their values. It’s fascinating to see how, despite our differences, our core values often intertwine.

I find joy in my hobbies and in teaching. It's especially fulfilling to see students, who many might doubt, overcome their challenges and thrive academically to the point where they no longer need special education support.

I think people often get caught up in chasing the material lifestyle they see on social media, not realizing that those posts only show the 'best' parts of someone’s life. Not everything else.

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

One should like one's kids and wife for sure, that's a good one. Hobbies, learning, yep I agree. It's the experiences we have that have a lasting effect on our lives, not the material items but so many get it backwards and chase the wrong things.

0.00 ALIVE

yeni82 3 months ago

Happiness comes from the feelings and sensations of fulfillment that you experience with certain actions or people. These emotions make you feel invincible, able to break down walls, so to speak, and it must be admitted that only the right concepts lead you to this state of fulfillment. Generally, not to absolutize, all of them part of our essence and our aspirations, which if we analyze well, are associated with the most sublime part of our soul. But as you rightly say, society and the information that is disseminated in the different media, has great weight in our way of thinking. That distorts the concepts that are created about happiness, leading people down the wrong path of material means and ego. Therefore, fortunate are all those who know how to choose the right path to happiness. Greetings ☺️

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

You've encapsulated it well I think and I agree. I like to think of myself as one of those fortunate people you mention and I hope you are too.

0.00 ALIVE

yeni82 3 months ago

We are fortunate to belong to this group of people. Greetings and have a nice day ☺️

0.00 ALIVE

galenkp 3 months ago

✅ Have a nice day too.

0.00 ALIVE

hive-lu 3 months ago

Hello galenkp!

It's nice to let you know that your article will take 8th place.
Your post is among 15 Best articles voted 7 days ago by the @hive-lu | King Lucoin Curator by keithtaylor

You receive 🎖 1.4 unique LUBEST tokens as a reward. You can support Lu world and your curator, then he and you will receive 10x more of the winning token. There is a buyout offer waiting for him on the stock exchange. All you need to do is reblog Daily Report 385 with your winnings.

_{Invest in the Lu token (Lucoin) and get paid. With 50 Lu in your wallet, you also become the curator of the @hive-lu which follows your upvote.

Buy Lu on the Hive-Engine exchange | World of Lu created by szejq}
_{If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word STOP or to resume write a word START}

0.00 ALIVE

americaru 3 months ago

0.00 ALIVE