How to Create Pathways to Happiness
There is no question; we live in a busy world full of a lot of noise. The internet and social media have taken hold of our attention, and with that, a culture of quantity over quality has prevailed. We are overloaded with more information than we can ever realistically process and bombarded daily by soundbites, tomfoolery, and talking heads. In all of this chaos and social disarray, how do we stay true to ourselves and find value in what we are consuming and who we are connecting with?
Deciding how we are going to use our time each day is a reflection of our values. It determines how we connect with ourselves and the world around us. I make a conscious choice to fill each day with activities and people that bring me value. It provides me with a sense of accomplishment and increases my level of happiness.
Find things that make you come alive. For example, I like to write, sew, and hike. I make a point of doing these things daily, if not weekly. Pick a few things and stick to them. You’ll feel better, I promise, even if it’s something as simple as going for a walk after dinner. I also connect with people I enjoy spending time with and follow individuals on social media that inspire me. Creating meaningful connections is important for our well-being. It helps us learn about ourselves and others.
When I waste my time scrolling through mindless social media posts, I feel drained. Why not pass the time by reading a book, meditating, listening to music, or doing a crossword puzzle? You know, the stuff we used to do before the internet existed. Activities that replenish and exercise our minds help us create new pathways in our brains. By doing this, we become more creative and find purpose in our daily lives, leading to greater fulfillment and happiness.
S. Angell is a published poet, writer, philosopher, video blogger, and preschool teacher by day. She explores an array of topics including love, life, death, history, and society from a philosophical perspective. You can find her on Instagram @therainydaypoetess or TheRainyDayPoet.com
