A Journey Beyond the Surface

We all seek happiness and idealize what it might look like. For some, it’s getting married, having children, building a successful career, earning money, traveling, buying a dream home or car, or even getting a pet. We imagine that once we check off these milestones, happiness will follow. But even after achieving these things—sometimes even all of them—we still find ourselves searching for happiness.

Marriage, for example, is not always the fairy tale we expect. Raising children requires time, patience, and love. A successful career can bring anxiety, stress, and burnout, rather than the fulfillment we hoped for. Money can buy temporary distractions, but it doesn’t solve deeper emotional needs. Travel can take us to beautiful places, but it also brings us back to the reality we’re trying to escape. Even the dream house, though beautiful and full of material comforts, can feel empty. A nice car may impress others, but it can’t fix underlying family struggles. A beloved pet may provide companionship, but it doesn’t fill the void we may be carrying inside.

As a society, we often live in a cycle of chasing these external markers of success, only to realize that true happiness doesn't come from accumulating things or meeting others' expectations. It comes from within. True happiness is about living for yourself, not adhering to someone else’s definition of what it means to be happy. Happiness is about connecting with yourself, nurturing a relationship with God or a higher purpose, and seeking personal growth. It takes courage to heal from past traumas, confront your issues, and build a life rooted in meaning rather than external validation. It’s not easy, but the reward is a transformative sense of rebirth—a deeper, more lasting kind of happiness that is uniquely your own.

  Though the path to self-discovery and true happiness may not always be easy, it is worth the effort. Every step you take toward understanding yourself more deeply brings you closer to a fulfillment that is sustainable and uniquely yours. Remember that happiness is not about what you have, but about how you live and the peace you find within. So, next time you find yourself chasing an idealized version of happiness, pause and ask: What does happiness truly look like for me? Take a moment to reconnect with yourself and consider the ways you can bring more meaning and joy into your life. You have the power to define your own happiness—don't let anyone else do that for you.