Throughout our lives we are asked the question, “What do you want?”
The question may refer to such things as your choice of entree at a restaurant, your goals in life, or even a gift you’d like to receive for Christmas.
Sometimes we know exactly what we want. Other times we have no clue.
Perhaps we confuse pleasure of the moment for what we hoped was something of lasting value.
Dr. Scott Anderson, creator of the program Habits for Health, said the following:
“When we talk about what we want, it is usually tied to a pleasure principle rather than lasting satisfaction… we confuse the things that bring us immediate pleasure with the things that lead to lasting fulfillment.”
Think of eating that bowl of ice cream. soaking in a hot tub, experiencing the thrill of a roller coaster ride.
If the enjoyment lasts only as long as the doing, we can recognize it is a temporary pleasure. There is nothing wrong with that. That is part of the goodness of life.
But if we are expecting temporary enjoyment to bring lasting joy, then we will be disappointed.
“Satisfaction-rather than pleasure-occurs when you create, do, or bring things into your life that have a lasting effect or value.”
What do you value? What has meaning to you? What are you bringing into your life that has lasting significance?
Are your time and efforts being spent on that which matters most?
My challenge for you, especially at this time of year, is to consider your choices and how you are spending your time and efforts.
I invite you to choose wisely that which will bring you the lasting meaning you desire.
With love,
