What makes you happiest in life?
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion Archive: Archive March 2006:
What makes you happiest in life?
I was just thinking about it this morning. For some people it's a major accomplishment in life, a career goal met, a weight loss goal or something along those lines.
I think what makes me happiest in life is my family. It almost defines who I am to a point. I mean, i'm still an individual who does my own things and has my own interests but I love revolving my life around my family. It's what makes me happy everyday and motivates me to keep going. Kaitlyn is overall a great kid even though we've had a rough time as we're getting closer to her 3rd birthday. DH and I have had our share (and then some) of problems but I think as long as i'm consistently able to look back six months into the past and notice a difference or chance (or a bit more maturity, lol) then we're doing pretty well. With Nathan's birth getting closer i'm getting more excited and anxious and I feel a sense of calm and complete in our family and in my life. I no longer feel a void for not going out and makes something of myself career-wise because I know my true happiness lies in being a SAHM and that when my kids are grown i'll be able to look back with no regrets. I guess I just feel that things are "right". Things are so calm in life right now and I guess i've never felt this sense of accomplishment within myself.
So, what is your inner happiness?
I am not sure about the inner happiness. I can tell you what makes me the happiest in life are my 3 children. When I look at my 11 1/2 yr old and see what a smart, caring person he has become. When I see him interact with Faith, and see how caring he can be, that makes me happy. When I look at my 6 yr old, who is as wild as can be, and see how smart and well behaved she is in school, that gives me happiness. When I see Faith's smile each and every morning,and feel her little arms wrap around my neck,that brings me more happiness then words can say. When I think about all the pregnancies Ive lost and then see my 3 beautiful childrenm,alive and healthy and happy, I couldnt ask for anything else.(well I could ask for to be richand be skinny, but thats a whole dift post LOL  )
I don't think I have anything. I love my family but I don't like to be defined by it. I don't feel satisfied in my role as a SAHM, haven't found an outlet for *me*, don't have a career and haven't finished the schooling I need to do what I want, job-wise.
My inner happiness has been defined by....my educational and career goals accomplished to this point; knowing that I have very few regrets in life,and those regrets have led me to where I am so I still wouldn't change a thing; feeling confident about who I am/becoming as a woman, mother, and wife; knowing that I'm capable of resolving life issues; knowing that I can be financially independent if I so choose; knowing that I have a list of yet-to-accomplish goals (both personally and professionally)that I'm headed toward and working for.
I don't see my family as my "inner happiness" (just terminology). I think "inner happiness" is solely about you as an individual. Rather,my DH and my DD are my HEART and SOUL, the reason I breathe, and the ones that help me to focus on and accomplish my individual inner happiness (those things listed above). I couldn't live a day, emotionally, without either of them. I think when you have "inner happiness", your family gets the best of what you have to offer and you set an example for everyone around you.
Anon...Life is too short! Make your life to-do list and take it one step at a time. You deserve it!
hmmmm, traveling!
My kids, hands down.
Having my family around makes me the happiest in the world. It means even more to me now that the older two are off at college, and our times together as a complete family are fewer.
My son being happy.
No doubt, being able to take care of my family is the most satisfying thing I have ever done.
As far as what would make ME happy, I almost feel selfish about saying it, and it sounds rather shallow, but it is true. I want a new house. Or at least a newer one. Our house is 60 years old and in need of updating. Old houses are harder to keep clean and need so much more maintenance. Something is always breaking down, sometimes because the previous repairs (mostly the ones made before we bought the house) weren't done correctly. The neighborhood kids are a pain in the a**. The traffic and the noise are a drag. It just isn't any more fun living here and I have been unhappy here for the past couple of years. I am homesick for the area in which I grew up. Fresh country air. Quiet back roads. That hometown feel. It's also about roots to me besides having a nicer house.
We tried to sell it last year, and failed. Granted, the market is down, and in the 6 months we had it on the market, we only had 8 people look at it. But our house would only be appealing to the guy who is interested in getting a fixer-upper, IMO.
And I got my hopes WAY up for the new house we chose to try to buy. It was only about a 15 minute drive from my parents' house and about 7 or 8 minutes from the town where I grew up. If we ever get back there, I will never move again.
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