It's come to my attention that no one is ever really happy with their surroundings. No one is ever happy with what they've accomplished. No one is ever satisfied with their life, whether extraordinary or simple.
In a world filled with fast paced lifestyles, entertainment, gratifications, and urges we have become completely insatiable.
My sister recently went to Thailand to help with children and some adults forced into prostitution. Some forced socially, from their families, and some forced merely for "survival". To them all Americans are rich. I was looking at her pictures and they seemed SO happy... Yet us Americans constantly complain about life, not being able to
"go out" enough. Or, wanting to buy everything and complaining when we might have to save up for something. Or HELL, just charge it?
We live in a society and country that loves it's justice. All of our politics consist of how to help everyone.. who we SHOULD help.. what SHOULD we do? We are so lucky to live in a place that watches over us and if we are wronged we at least have a chance to make up for it. SO WHY ALL THE COMPLAINING? Why all the complacency? Why all the broken spirits? Why does it seem SO hard to live when we live in one of the most easy countries to do almost anything we want AND have the opportunity to follow any path we desire?
Now, I am just as guilty as you in every area covered here. It's hard to gain a real perspective on the world when we live in such an isolationist society but does that mean we are off the hook?
Is creating awareness important? It seems that every popular cause comes and goes with a few martyrs that devote their lives to it and the struggles seem to never dissipate. Is it our "job" to get people involved when most people will lose passion within a couple months anyway?
In a world of passion, why is finding our own passion so hard for the average person?
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Great blog and so true... in America (as you've said). In Thailand and other poor countries, there is a level of happiness, satisfaction, peace, and contentment even when they're suffering. Their simplicity and smiles are contagious.
ReplyDeleteA psychological study found that Americans have more hope, but are less happy, than people in countries with less hope. It's strange, but I think that we expect everything to go well or feel entitled to it. So negative circumstances in America produce more negative outcomes due to positive expectations. This doesn't answer all of it, but it may be a small piece.
Thank you for the shout out regarding my Thailand experience. You're right, I was so happy there! I was helping people who really needed it and appreciated it. Their laidback attitude, lack of pressure for success and busyness, and helpful community spirit was calming and welcoming. They love to smile, laugh, and joke (but not at other's expense). Thailand's not called "The Land of Smiles" for no reason. Yet they have suffered so much heartache, trauma, and pain. It's hard to explain unless you've been there. I was grateful for the little things (and big things like freedom and privilege).
But now that I'm back in America, I am stressed and struggle to be thankful. It's so easy to take things for granted and want more.
Thanks again for the provoking thoughts. A different and content type life is possible (as seen in other countries), but we must fight against our cultural norms to attain it.