Theory of Happiness

A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness

It’s been in the news as of recent that Albert Einstein’s theory of happiness sold for $1.5 million at auction. That’s some major cash for a theory that was scribbled on a sheet of paper as a tip to a bellboy. Einstein is a household name and an inspiration as a man who never graduated school. He was a theoretical physicist, most known for developing the theory of relativity.

These profound words left by this German born genius say so much in so little. This advice has resonated with me so strongly that it’s been in my mind all week.

His words ring true. I’ve spent most my life chasing some idea of happiness. That in order to be happy, I must be successful by others terms. I was meant to radiate a certain aura, true to my own colors. Not by what someone else thinks I should be doing.

I was running my own retail store as a temporary store manager. I had risen up the ranks in two years time, from a cashier to an assistant, to a manager-in-training. But I was restless and loaded with pressure. I felt uneasy and out of my skin. I was dealing with grief, extreme depression, and manic episodes. Long story short, I turned to drugs to cure my boredom with life, a pastime of experimentation became an addiction.

No matter the level of success, if you aren’t happy with yourself you’ll never feel fulfilled. Being content is the main key to happiness.

My life has settled down the past two years with sobriety. I may not be a textbook term of successful but I’m achieving my goals. I’m working on me. I’m chasing my dreams. I’m fighting for what matters to me. I’m in a happy, loyal, healthy relationship. My relationship with my parents is being mended.

If you are unhappy in your endeavors, it’s time to examine your true self and what your heart is yearning for. No matter how much education you receive, how far up the ranks you’ve climbed, if you can’t find that contentment in your soul, you will never find that inner peace.

I implore you to search within yourself to find what revives you. Don’t settle for what others want of you or what they deem to be successful. Cliché as it is: be true to yourself.

 

These were my thoughts this past week after coming across the story of Einstein. I just wanted to share them with you. Thank you for reading. Please subscribe, share, and comment! Love you all!