Haylasweet Times

In The Pursuit of Happiness the protagonist (I forget his name…Will Smith) says it made him wonder, how Thomas Jefferson knew to pen the idea on the constitution that happiness was a thing to pursue as though something never really attained, but chased. Something like that. I think the other side of the coin is believing that happiness is a thing chosen to live in the moment. I think both are true. I think a part of the reason I become restless at sitting still is the feeling that there’s something else to see, to explore, to experience, even though what I’m experiencing in the moment is often quite lovely.

Happiness, I think, is a balance between appreciation and active exploration. I say “active” because the word “passive” comes to mind when I think of the nature of exploration facilitated on something like social media. I explore, to be sure, and I appreciate the things I experience, because it does display a staggering amount of talent and work by so many countless people, but…I think experiencing it can quickly become passive in that whatever information I’m taking it, it’s overwhelming. And much so curated and polished that it lacks the imperfection necessary to connect with it on an emotional level more subtle, nuanced, and multilayered than the basic primaries of fear, anger, and delight that often beget the most traffic. Like running on the treadmill for four and a half hours but because it’s a treadmill rather than a jog around the neighborhood outside in nature, I feel unsatisfied, like I haven’t really taken in the workout. Same with snacks. All those calories and it rarely leaves you satisfied in the way a simple home-cooked meal from scratch satisfies you. The digital hollow vs. the haptic depth. It’s why I see a growing movement of people young and old alike who are trying to de-digitize their lives and reframe their relationship with technology into one simpler and more intentional.

Happiness isn’t so much a thing I bask in…not for long, anyway; it’s more of a song that carries you, or a signal that guides you through the things it fills. Happiness is not a bed–it’s that feeling of waking up in bed ready to learn something new today. It’s not a new phone–it’s the feeling of a dear friend texting you that they would love to go to the fair and can you bring the beers.

Happiness is not finite or static because you, your soul, your humanity, is not finite or static. It’s ever-changing, ever on the move, ever expanding. And when it recedes into sadness or gets a bit tangled in anger remember that those feelings won’t stay the same forever. Every day is a means to explore. And that’s one of the most beautiful things about life. But do remember to slow down if you need to or wish to and to smell the coffee and the flowers. Those are all wonderful moments for you to appreciate, too. ❤️