Podcast Episode 187 - How to Live a Happy Life in a Not-So-Happy World pt 2
/Listen
Read
When you finish scrolling through social media, do you feel happier or a twinge of jealousy?
What do you believe is missing that will make you happy?
How often do you think you should be happy?
It’s part 2 of How to Live a Happy Life in a Not-So-Happy World. Today we’re discussing happiness myths and uncovering the truth to live happier lives.
Today is for you if…
If you’re suffering from envy-itis.
If you desire to be happier.
If you’re ready to shed anything that could hold you back from more happiness.
We’re bombarded all day with messages telling us what will make us happy. There are ads that tell us this kind of gum will make you sexy, to this kind of car will make you a conscientious consumer to this vacation will bring you the peace you’ve been looking for. Much of social media gives us snapshots of people’s lives and businesses that create feelings of happiness envy, but of course, they only show the good parts.
Myth: Being rich or famous will make you happy.
A 2007 survey of millennials asked about their most important life goals.
76% said becoming rich was their #1 goal.
50% said a primary goal was to become famous.
A decade after the millennial survey, as they got some more time being an adult, they were asked the same questions. Famous was now lower on the list, but money was still one of the top goals, along with a successful career and becoming debt-free.
Truth: Pursuing something bigger than yourself brings more happiness
90% of people on their deathbeds have regret, and it wasn’t not being rich and famous.
My dad’s sat at many deathbeds as people passed into eternity, and he’s never heard, “I wish I was more rich and famous.”
You may not want to be rich or famous, but are you suffering from happiness envy? Do you see others have what you want, like relationships, vacations, time, family, perfect home decor, etc.?
If you’ve felt this way, There’s an old saying, “Don’t compare your insides to other people’s outsides.”
One of the top deathbed regrets is, “I wish I’d had the COURAGE to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.” Another top one is regret about missed relationships.
You’ll never experience happiness envying others, but you may regret not enjoying fully being yourself, pursuing something bigger than yourself or missing out on important relationships if you’re not careful.
Myth: You can be happy 100% of the time if you do everything right.
We all face challenges, and it’s unrealistic to think you’ll always be happy. It sets your expectations up for failure.
Life is a mix of the good, the bad and sometimes the ugly.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Truth: Happiness comes when you meet and face challenges.
When you meet the stressors and challenges of life, it makes you stronger, happier and more satisfied with your life.
You’ll surprise yourself when you see what’s possible for you. You’re stronger than you think.
Homework:
Write down anything you believe is keeping you from being happy.
Pray for Father to show you the truth.
Then journal about what you discover.
Now, shed the shoulds’. The things you say that are keeping you from happiness are myths…shed them.
