Lifestyle Magazine

The Pursuit of Happiness

By Lisaorchard @lisaorchard1
Typewriter, The Pursuit of Happiness, Lisa OrchardPhoto credit: annapolis_rose on VisualHunt.com

Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you. I’m back today after a busy week of work, writing, and running. I love this time of year. I want to spend as much time outside as I can. The scent of autumn fills the air, and it’s cooler, but not too cool. Perfect weather for walking, hiking, and running.

Forest, The Pursuit of Happiness, Lisa OrchardPhoto credit: #Sacho# on Visualhunt.com

I want to spend as much time outside as I can before hibernation season sets in. But enough about that. Today, I want to talk about the pursuit of happiness.

There are no guarantees in life. But we all have the right to pursue happiness. We all have the right to do what sets our souls on fire. That’s the first step to determining the path of our lives.

Happiness, The Pursuit of Happiness, Lisa OrchardPhoto credit: on VisualHunt

I remember when I was going to college, and I had to choose. I chose something safe. Something that would get me a job. I didn’t choose what I wanted to pursue. That goal required years of schooling, and the task seemed insurmountable. So, I caved and chose something easier. Looking back, I wish I had more confidence in my decisions at that age.

College, The Pursuit of Happiness, Lisa OrchardPhoto credit: FlickrDelusions on VisualHunt.com

Now, I know myself better. I know the journey is just as important as the goal. That’s the pursuit of happiness. I want to instill in my boys their right to pursue happiness. I want them to pursue what lights their souls on fire until it doesn’t. As we grow and become more aware of what we want, we can take steps to change our path. I hope I’ve instilled in my boys enough confidence to know when the path they’re on isn’t the path they want, it’s okay to change direction. After all, they’re the only ones who have to live with the consequences of their choices.

Like I said before, there are no guarantees, but there are choices. We can change direction any time we want. We have our whole lives to figure it out. I hope they know that.

Guarantee, The Pursuit of Happiness, Lisa OrchardPhoto credit: mikecohen1872 on VisualHunt.com

I find when I’m feeling pressured and anxious, all I have to do is remind myself of the goals I want to achieve in my lifetime.  When I return my focus to my goals and focus on the steps to achieve them, my anxiety disappears. I’m on track.

I’ve told my kids when the task seems too big to handle, just focus on the step you’re currently on then focus on the next step. Pretty soon you’ll have tackled all the steps. Goal accomplished. How about you? What advice do you give your kids? Leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you!


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