There are so many distractions in life and billions of people with different agendas. Freewill, combined with a myriad of life choices, means that there is a jungle of opportunity out there and it’s every human for herself! Of course, if your target is the ever-elusive “happiness” then you must be vigilant for it can get away from you while you’re battling with a competitor or fleeing a predator.
One of the obstacles to capturing happiness is not recognizing it for what it truly is because you’re not present in the moment. Another common obstacle, which can be downright debilitating is allowing another person convince you that no matter what you do, you’ll not have happiness. Usually these people are spinning a web of deception in order to use your time, energy and talents for their own agenda, which could be little more than feasting upon your broken spirit. The very worst of these people can be yourself.
One of the best beginner strategies for capturing happiness is to go in together with a band of like-minded people. That way, you can strategize together, divide up the work and reap the mutual benefits. You need not confine yourself to just one happiness hunting party. You need one for work and others for every social outlet you enjoy. And if you engage in one particular hobby more than others, then you especially need a group who are organized and motivated.
Once you’re a more experienced happiness hunter, you’ll realize that even with or without your hunting parties, you’re ultimately responsible for capturing it yourself. You know your strengths, weaknesses and inner desires. Therefore, you’re the best judge of what will make you happy and if that happiness target shifts in another direction.
Yet, hunting happiness isn’t like hunting other big game. You can have it while pursuing it and on the other hand, you can have it while not actively pursuing it.
How can you tell when you’ve captured it? It’s that general good feeling that causes you to light up a room when you enter. It’s the reason you smile for seemingly no reason at all. It’s why you can fall asleep easily at night, wake up feeling refreshed and interested in starting your day. It’s having a clear, receptive mind for innovative ideas that an unhappy mind struggles to conceive.
Once you’ve captured happiness, never let it go!