Have you ever taken a moment to ask yourself this question: what makes my soul happy? In the hustle and bustle of life, we are go-go-go. Is this what life is all about? Who decided THIS was the blueprint for life – get a degree, find a partner and marry them, buy a house, buy a car, start a family, and work your tail off for who knows how long in order to sustain and support all of the above, all while accruing debt, stress, maybe a bad habit or two to deal with the two aforementioned items. Is that the American dream? Really?
I used to think so. I got my degree. Had longevity at some big companies. Made some decent money. Bought a place, got married, had kids, raised them (still am), then grind grind grind for someone else’s success – after all, that is what you get paid for, right? But after over two decades of doing that and marching to the beat of someone else’s drum (or blueprint), I found myself feeling put off by the “recipe” for happiness that wasn’t even written by me!
When I lost my Dad in 2014, I was at his wake listening to all the heartfelt stories shared by his family and friends. I thought “this is so sad, the fact that my Dad is not even alive to hear how special he was to so many”. I decided then two things:
1. I’m going to live life to the fullest NOW. Not when I’m retired, not when the kids have moved out – but NOW. And
2. I’m going to give people around me their flowers. Not when they’ve passed away. Not when they’re sick. NOW.
Over the years, specifically the last decade, I’ve reconnected with myself. Sure, I had the corporate job for many years, but it didn’t necessarily make my soul happy – raising my daughters, monthly dinners with my best friends, music, art, trying a new recipe, a good cup of coffee – that’s what makes my soul happy.
I always tell people, especially young adults, that a job isn’t going to fill your cup (you’ve heard about those who are rich and famous, and still completely unhappy, right?) – I encourage them to nurture their passions outside of work. Work is work. Life isn’t just, and should never be, only about work. You get paid to do a job. So do it well. But today, take a moment to answer the question, even jot it down if you have to: what makes your soul happy?