I have a new theory that I can only funnel my creative energy into one venture at a time. I’ve been working on a new body of artwork lately and it seems that as a consequence my writing is suffering. I’ve been thinking about several rough ideas for blog entries for weeks now but they just aren’t coming together. I seem to have writer’s block. My second theory is that my first theory is totally bogus and that my creative voice is only being stifled due to the fact that my brain is maxed out between the three different jobs I’m currently juggling.
I have heard that one of the cures for writers block is to just push through it, so tonight that is what I am determined to do. Several weeks ago I met a friendly stranger in my favorite bar in Fort Worth, The Usual (picture below). We had a lively discussion about the secrets to happiness in life. This statement should not surprise those of you who know me and are familiar with the fact that I abhor small-talk and often spark up deep conversation with total strangers. My motto is, talk about something important, or don't waste your time.
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| The Usual in Fort Worth, just looking at this picture makes me want a classy cocktail | . |
These are the three important keys to happiness that we came up with:
Having a purpose: Something meaningful. Most often a job, but can also be substituted for school or raising a family. Having something to do and feeling like you are working towards something for your future matters. Having a job you don’t hate, being able to adequately provide for yourself, and feeling like you are needed in the world is very important.
Having people to love: This doesn’t have to mean romantically, although having a significant other can make you very happy. Just having a community of friends, family, and people you can count on and get support from can be a huge influence to overall happiness. If you can score both a significant other and an awesome community you get bonus points.
Your Location: I have a feeling some will disagree with me on this one, but I think that where you live and what there is to do near where you live is a key component to a happy life. You need to be near to things that you enjoy. For example if you love the outdoors, the mountains, and cool weather and you live somewhere flat, hot, and covered in cement it can be very tough on your spirit. If you are someone who thrives off of city life and going out, living in the country would probably not suit you. A lot of people say a place is what you make of it, which I do believe is true, but I also think that certain places will never be able to satisfy certain people.
So those are the three keys. Having all three at the same time would be in an ideal world. The friendly stranger and I decided that while you don’t need all three things at the same time to be happy with your life, you do need at least two out of the three working in your favor or you probably will feel like you are missing something.
Do you agree? Do you think we left any key components to true contentment out of the equation?
