This is the second part of the series “Positive outcomes of COVID-19 on the individual and family.” In these difficult times, many of us have come to discover what truly makes us happy. But how can we continue to pursue a fulfilling life when we are faced with mounting commitments and other life pressures? Read on to find out.
“Aren’t all these factors already known by all? ” asked my husband, when he read last week’s post on COVID-19’s positive effects on the individual and family.
That got me into thinking.
Yes, to put down what we have gained during these frightening times, indicates the fact that we already know, deep down inside, what makes us happy and fulfilled. We all know what is right from wrong. We all know what is important for our healthy well-being.
And yet we don’t pursue what is right for us.
Why?
The only reasons that I could come for this lack of action were- an extremely hectic life, pursuing something else that we deem more important or more beneficial, social pressures, inconvenience, or just being lazy.
So I thought to myself “if hypothetically a person who refused to pursue what is good for him had to come in a movie, how would I have seen him as? what would I think about him?”
I think I would definitely feel bad for him, probably felt anger that he was wasting his life over unnecessary stuff, with people who didn’t know better, pitied him, that he couldn’t see what he was missing out on.
Then I remembered a series I recently finished on Amazon Prime called “This is Us.” The main characters Jack and Rebecca are a beautiful couple, good husband, good wife, great parents with all their flaws and circumstances.
They are not very successful in their respective careers yet I was affectionately drawn to both of them. Why? Because both of them “chose” to be good partners and parents- intentionally and with all responsibility, on a day to day basis. They both prioritized their values and were able to leave a legacy for their children.
Did they have social pressures- yes, did they have hectic routines- most probably, was it inconvenient to prioritize their choices- 100%
Hmmm
I then pondered upon how I felt about these characters? Well, I was happy for them and rather inspired to see them so fulfilled in their relationship with each other and their kids.
What do we need then to choose “happiness”?
How can we pursue a fulfilling life on a day to day basis?
Following is a compilation of what some of the participants had suggested in my survey, as tips to continue what they’re enjoying in these times.
- Keep a routine for relationships, self-reflection and work.
- Do not take the simple joys of life for granted. Respect the time with family and self. Be present in your moments, be mindful of your blessings.
- Negotiate with your employer on work flexibility.
- Remind yourself of the frustration you go through when you don’t pursue what fulfils you.
- Prioritize what is important to you and not what is important to others.
- Believe in your self and don’t give up too soon. You have everything within you that makes you happy.
- Educate your family or support group of the benefits that these positive changes have brought for yourself and the family.
- Be consistent with these practices by remembering your “Why”
- Focus on taking responsibility for these positive habits by working together as a team with your family or colleagues.
- Bring your true self to all aspects of your life, at work, at home, at leisure by being more creative, and pursuing growth.
- Place structured goals in order to bring discipline and progress, for the life you want.
- Spend time cherishing memories of the times you felt peaceful, fulfilled and happy.
I now know that there is only one reason for not pursuing what makes us happy. It is the fact that we don’t have enough FAITH in ourselves (and in God if you’re religious like me) to choose the values that we stand for, on a daily basis.
How can we develop more faith? By practising it. By doing the right thing, for the right reason, at the right time and not whenever we “feel like doing it”.
Because doing the right thing often comes with the sacrifice of self-will. It comes from discontinuing an unhelpful attitude or belief. It comes from challenging our selves or from being challenged. It comes from not expecting anything in return.
It comes from choosing our values over and over again, nourishing it with self-affirmations and self-reflection and reflecting it in our actions.
That’s how we will be able to walk our faith and thus pursue a fulfilling life on a day-to-day basis.
So ask yourself these questions if you find yourself in a confusing or challenging spot:
- What am I NOT doing right now that I might regret later in life?
- What do I want to be remembered as or referred to as, by my loved ones?
- What am I doing presently that will actually not matter after 5-10 years?
- What if my character was portrayed in a movie? Would I have supported this person?
Found this post useful? You might like reading these too:
8 positive outcomes of COVID-19 on the individual and family
How to make the most of the lockdown period
How the local supermarket came to my mental rescue
When you have to wait to be with your life partner
How to efficiently work from home- as suggested by 8 seasoned remote professionals
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Hi! My name is Rubitah. I’m a Content Writer certified Life Coach, Counselor, Social Work professional and the Founder of Being Rubitah. Over the years through my professional and personal life, I have realized that prayers and love can do wonders to family life once you come to terms with yourself and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then you may like what I post here! Read more about me
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