Pillars to Fostering a Satisfying Life

By Genevieve Smith

Happiness can be pursued many ways. It can present itself in puppy videos or a dream job. But what are the pillars of a satisfying life? What could you work into the way you navigate through the day-to-day grind to inspire long-term joy?

Openness

While it’s easy to be closed, especially for introverts -- share your passions with others. Set anxiety aside and let people know what moves you. Giving a voice to the things you care about brings them to life and inspires others. It can also help grow a passion by bringing more people into the loop. Openness can push you into new unchartered territories of human connection, and fosters an exciting exchange of ideas. Within this pillar of happiness lives the opportunity for inspiration, empathy, and wisdom. On top of that, openness fosters community.

Community

They say you are a reflection of the five people you spend the most time with. Does your core group push you? Inspire you? Pay attention to who you surround yourself with. Positivity has an influence, as does negativity. Welcome in people who make you feel confident. That said, community also involves workplace and other environments comprised of people. Strive for surroundings which help tap into your best qualities and which pull them out of you! If this is occurring to the opposite effect, it can have a major drain on your energy. Negative influences build up, and while they may seem manageable initially, they nearly always zap one’s focus. Surround yourself with people and environments which help you achieve your goals.

Help Others

There is something incredibly rewarding that comes out of helping others. Whether it’s mentoring those at the start of their career, lending an ear to a hurting neighbor, or building houses for the less privileged, helping gets us out of our own world and contextualizes our struggles. The big picture becomes a little bit clearer when you become involved in the pursuit of others’ happiness and success.

How you engage with your surroundings reflects back on your inner world. Are you satisfied? Do you feel able to voice your ideas? Are you inspired, and supported? Staying open to others, inviting in community, and offering help to those in need allows you to connect to the things which are most meaningful to you and provide the support that allows your interests to grow. See if these pillars of happiness can bring more satisfaction into your life. 

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Baytown, Tex.