There is only one success – to spend your life in your own way.
– Christopher Morley
Where Happiness is Found: The Stories Too Many People Believe for Too Long
Photo by: Sabrina Campagna
Practical Tips for Productive Living
There is only one success – to spend your life in your own way.
– Christopher Morley
Where Happiness is Found: The Stories Too Many People Believe for Too Long
Photo by: Sabrina Campagna
farouk says
that’s really inspiring, thank uuu
Linda says
Sometimes what we’re looking for is right under our noses. But we have to ditch the tick list of criteria. No-ones perfect, just perfect for me. After all, who am I perfect for? And what’s perfection all about?
I need to think hard about that one…
Ciatach says
Thank you, I needed this.
Delia says
‘And he knows that if he wants to fall in love like that again, he must get back to that story-free world within himself where happiness is found.’
I suddenly realized why I could hardly feel peaceful and touch beauty of life and things and people around me.That is because I create a world of stories,fears and expectations.I created enemies around myself,and I expected too much and feared to lose anything.
I should take action to change.Or I will ruin myself by those thoughts…..
Bryce Christiansen says
I’m glad you shared this story. I think we all have hobbies we wish we could embrace further, but restrain ourselves because of what others’ may think.
I’ve found that it may take some tough skin, but it is very rewarding to just be comfortable with yourself and your interests even if they have a negative stereotype for your circumstances.
Ken Montville says
I can’t tell if the moral of the story is to “stick to your knitting” or is about “the one that got away”. 🙂
But, seriously, going back to that story-free time is as romantic as the story of the perfect mate. We can’t undo our life experiences and start with a clean slate. What is done is done and we must work with what we have.
Yes, this post is thought provoking on a number of levels. “Starting over”, though, is truly a dream – ethereal and fanciful.
Marc says
@Ken:
You don’t have to undo your life experiences to start over. You just have to let go of the expectations and fairytale storylines you can’t change, except things right now for what they are right now, and march forward with an open mind.
😉
MissTyrious says
I just stumbled upon your blog and find it truly inspiring – glad I found it =) Unfortunately the fairytale story of finding the perfect mate is too deeply rooted in our society, as if it’s not possible to be happy without being in a relationship. This makes people constantly look for the “other half” and keeps them from appreciating all the awesome things surrounding them, which is a shame, because life is beautiful.
The problem is, once you created your storylines, it’s very difficult to get rid of them. We all have dreams and expectations and I suppose they’re essential for us to move on. We feel the necessity to have something that we can fight for.
Dia says
Hi Marc,
This is inspiring my friend. Thanks for sharing
Pam Komarnicki says
I think the important thing we need to remember isn’t so much that we should let go of stories, fears and expectations (especially that last one, since it seems so natural to form expectations). What’s important is that we keep realism in mind with our expectations and that we remain flexible. The man in the story who let the amazing woman get away might have had better luck being flexible in his expectations for the “perfect mate” than to completely let them go.
Because, while expectations are natural, we don’t know everything before we start, and we need to be willing to adapt our expectations as we progress in life and learn a little more about what we really want and need.
Zengirl @ Heart and Mind says
True happiness comes from within, not from outward sources! Many of us forget this.
Ande Waggener says
The “story-free world.” I love that.
My husband suffered a head injury in 2006 that wiped away his lifetime memories. He doesn’t remember anything before summer of that year–including our past. He did, however, know he loved me. It was like an innate knowing. The same as his passions, which have remained as they were before his injury, even though he couldn’t tell you anything about how he pursued them before 2006.
At 50 years old, my husband has only 4 years of “stories,” and I have seen this turn him into a very happy man. He invents himself a day at a time. He has a child-like quality (as in eagerness and appreciation) that is inspiring to be around. I think he embodies the “story free world,” and I can attest to what a wondrous place it is.
Wayne says
This is a incredible blog. I know where happiness is found. If you want to find real happiness, check out my blog too.
I found my happiness.
bendedspoon says
The story moved me
for I know a man who sought the ideal in his mind
and overlooked the real special one, right in front.
And when he saw her
it no longer matter to her.
Here’s to getting real!
No more fairy tales.
🙂
dan says
I spent decades in the dream. When I found the reality it is so very much better. I am happy inside out and have a wonderful partner to share this world with.
Your site was a find and I hope that you will let me repost portions of what I find interesting.
be well; peace…
dan
Living the Balanced Life says
There is nothing more important than doing what you love in life. Don’t worry what others may think. As long as you are hurting no one, do what you love!
Bernice
http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2010/finding-the-perfect-balance/
Michelle Saunderson says
And people forget…what is perfect for you today may not be perfect for you tomorrow. People are not stagnant but always changing. Great post.
Brandon systym says
Happiness is in the heart shaped balloon. Thats why the girl does not have it in the painting. One cannot obtain it through being still. Although she does not age through time, you do. With age comes change, and again you cannot have the balloon. Understand’ if you were to have it~ it would lose its shape. ^_~
Uzma says
Very nice. To get rid of the stories, feels scary, but what a journey. Thank u for this reminder of true love
Create My Mind Movie says
Wow, this was a touching post. I was truly inspired by it. I have this quote in this little book I carry around with me and it says this;
“We need to forget what we think we are, so that we can really become what we are”
-Paulo Coelho
This relates here, because we sometimes have to let go of the expectation of what we “think” life should be, so that we can really experience the awe and amazement of how it trully can be.
Stuart says
A very beautiful story, thank you for sharing. I think everyone can relate to this in some way, especially as it serves to remind us of the true value of happiness 🙂
Leszek Cyfer says
I almost thought there’s yet another recipe for happiness until I realised that you are as clueless as everybody. Which makes this writing real and true.
And happiness is where it’s always been – here and now.
kabir says
Thanks 🙂