When we stop dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we’re open to rich sources of information we’ve been missing out on…information that can keep us out of the downward spiral and poised for a richer life.
-Mark Williams
In my lifetime many people have told me to never have regrets. I have tried to follow their advice but in all honesty there have been moments where I wonder if all my decisions were the right ones or the best ones. Am I really where I am supposed to be? Would I be happier if I had made different decisions in my past? Are all of our lives what they were destined to be or have some of us really screwed up? I must admit that I have never been overwhelmingly happy in my life. At this very time I am struggling a bit because I feel I have lost my way and I don’t think I have much going on in terms of value, purpose, and meaning. In spite of my own self-doubts people routinely tell me that I have made a difference in their lives. This begs the question, “Are our lives for ourselves or for others?” The Dalai Lama says the whole point of life is to be happy. I not only struggle with this but the great majority of people I encounter seem to as well. Some people are content if nothing bad is happening in their life. Nothing good may be happening either but at least they are not suffering. It’s like that middle option on many surveys. When 1 is awful and 5 is fantastic, most people choose 3 which usually described as neutral. A general sense of happiness has been elusive for me. Any happiness or joy I have experienced has been in moments, not in days, weeks, months, or years. Most of life has been a constant challenge and a lot of work. I live for the unexpected moments when I feel happy, content, or blessed. They give me the strength to deal with all the other moments when I feel overwhelmed or weary of life’s journey. Mindfulness helps me to be awake and aware so the good moments don’t flow past me without my being aware of them.
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