Most of us strive for achievement in our lives: love, money, career, family, health, altruism, purpose. All worthy goals. But I think it’s so important to cultivate the ability to be happy just because. For no good reason at all. Despite all of life’s difficulties.

Let me explain:

The world is outrageously beautiful. And you’re alive and living in it. Your heart is beating. The sun rises every day. The flowers are blooming. Life is abundant with endless curiosities and simple delights. These are the facts that inspired me to create a blog called Thoughts on the Good Life.

Love, joy, peace, faith, and hope are realities. Life is overflowing with goodness. All around you and inside you. Just let the abundance flow through you and allow yourself to be happy just because.

I acknowledge life isn’t perfect. Not even close. Sometimes it’s terrible in ways we are all too familiar with. Obviously we can’t be happy all the time. And every person’s experience with happiness is unique. But even so, do yourself a favor. Take the edge off. Cultivate a seed of happiness deep within you that’s persistent, relentless, and wise. Nurture that seed in every way you can. It’ll give you the ability to experience moments of true happiness even when life is difficult. And that’ll give you a sense of control over your own happiness.

This is something I’ve reminded myself of many times over the years. Because, like everyone, I’ve experienced unpleasant circumstances. And like many people, I have huge compelling goals. And I feel a relentless drive to pursue them. I like this about myself, and I don’t want that to change. Growth, practicalities, relationships, achievement, and the pursuit of a better world are all important. However I sometimes have a tendency to think “I’ll be happy if or when.” But then I look around at my life exactly as it is, and I see so many good things. I remember how very lucky and happy I already am.

We’re all incredibly rich in many ways. In this short life, it’s so important to just give up the fight and be happy right now, even while pursuing goals. Despite imperfect conditions. They’ll never be perfect. It’s important to allow yourself to be happy just as you are. Without putting in any further effort. Without requiring a good reason. Lower the bar. Just let go and love life right now. Breathe deeply. Feel the textures around you. Look without judgment, listen without critique, or both. Be in the moment, attentive and relaxed. So many things are so damn good. Might as well enjoy.

Even during the hardest times of my life, there’s always been something to be grateful for, or something beautiful lurking in the corners. Life is a paradox like that. Thank goodness.

When I want to remind myself to be happy just because, I frequently look to nature. The changing of the seasons. All the colors. The abundant green leaves. The blue skies. The flowing rivers. The twinkling stars. I remind myself to trust that the universe is chock full of love and magic. It’s okay to enjoy it. Happiness is our birthright. Good things flow from happiness. So go ahead and let yourself indulge often in being happy just because.

Next Week: Write the 1st Draft of a Short Book – 30-Day Personal Challenge Wrap-Up

Photo by Kristopher Roller on Unsplash