I'm Not Really an Expert on Anything and yet I'm Happy

To survive in today's world it seems that you must be an expert on something. Only then, do you garner any attention. You must profess to be the "go-to" person in your niche.

Well, quite frankly I'm sick of it.

My email is inundated with tips on every imaginable subject, from being the best networker to gaining one zillion likes on your latest post. These messages basically say that you've got to be the best or no one will love you.

"You need to be an expert." No wonder that our children are suffering from anxiety in grade one, and others are panicky about having the perfect wedding. Oh, and don't forget about getting the "forever" home even if you can't quite afford it.

Terrible Photo!
I'm Not Really an Expert at Anything

Guess what folks, life is not perfect. And the sooner we all know that the happier we will be.

Here's a secret for you. I am not really an expert on anything but it doesn't prevent me from being  pretty darn happy on most days.

It's time for us to not always want to be the best. We need to smile at our failings and love each other because we're all trying every day.

In matters of calm - I've been known to be judgmental and speak under my breath. And it's not always kind although my face is still smiling.

On the walking path - yes, I can hold my own for speed. For a short while. Because there are times that I much rather stop to take a photo or I get distracted by a group passing by. And every half-marathon I do I start to get bored at kilometer 16 or so. Every single time.

Happy Victim or Accepted Wisdom

We all know them. The person who appears to relish what they perceive as their troubles.

In fact, they wear their unhappiness with pride. If you dare to say that you have a migraine, well, they will tell you that they once had a migraine that lasted a week! They can always out-do you. You know someone like this, don't you?

Cold day. Wasa Lake Triathlon  Happy Victim or Accepted Wisdom

Some find the construction to work each day unbearable. Some just don't like the weather, because even if it's sunny right now...it's going to rain later this week.
Some cannot let go of grievances from decades ago. Or they might carry the burden of a childhood battle on the playground. They wear these "injustices" like a badge of honour. And you keep hearing about those inflictions over and over and over.

They do not acknowledge when you are tired or injured or worried. Their problems or anticipation of difficulties is much more concerning than yours. Why don't they ask how you are doing? Could it be that they just don't want to know? Yes, they might be sad but they are also selfish. They believe that the world does indeed revolve around them.

They whine and complain, they do not resolve. They discuss and re-hash and then share again. They do not want your help. All they want is airspace.

They can be boring. Their conversations and gossip are relentless, the stories are frivolous and shallow.

Red Car on the Horizon

Coutesy Pixabay - thanks MaxWaidhas

There are many of us who like to keep the destination in mind. There is always a red car on the horizon in our lives. It gives us something to work towards, a goal to head to, and a reason to keep doing what we're doing.

I know that it is contrary thinking in this age when there is much discussion of “enjoying the journey” and being present which I often write about here. However through my years of experience, I believe that a person can have a destination in mind and still enjoy the view getting there. (Tweet This)

For those of us destination seekers reading this, I think that you will agree.

• If your intention is to earn a number of degrees, you might have to give up at least the occasional pub night. 
• If you want to run a marathon, you likely will have to tie up your running shoes even when you don’t feel like it.
• No one became honestly rich, without sacrificing something else, especially your ego.
• And we certainly can't stay healthy with a recipe of consistent TV binge watching accompanied with pepperoni pizza.It just doesn’t work that way, at least in my life.

I remember being a young teenager when I was questioned about what my plan was for the future. It was answered with some disdain by a relative that all I wanted was to be “happy”. I remember thinking in that moment, but that’s a good answer! I’m not certain why it was perceived as a problem, or whether my relative had any understanding of what a monumental task that is in each person’s life. A life’s practise for sure.

If happiness is our goal through the ups and downs, the straight roads, the curves, the detours and someone can still smile, is that wrong? Does that mean that they missed out on something? I think not. Destination and journey can all be rolled into one.

Red Car on the Horizon

The most well-adjusted folks that I’ve had the privilege of knowing are not the ones who have had an uneventful life. They may

have paid with tears, heartache, loneliness and despair but they have always held on to the golden nugget of their hearts. They have given up a lot of dreams yet they maintain seeing what is to come with optimism.

These folks have gone with the proverbial “flow” not knowing where they were being carried. They didn’t know what the journey would bring, but they did know that it would somehow work out, that they would be alright. Because they had a destination in mind.

When we are travelling down the road to whatever goal is on the horizon, keep an eye out for the happy ones. They have a lot to teach us.

They are the ones who see the swooping of the first kite in Spring and smile at the fluttering robin on a bare branch. Happy people always have their eyes ahead. Looking for the red car on the horizon. (Tweet This)

Some travel for the destination, some for the journey? Tell us about your trip. (Tweet This)