Perhaps it’s time to retire the “I just want my kids to be happy” narrative.
Something I have learned in life is that it’s not even realistic. Nobody can be happy all the time. And even if we could, would we then understand the value of happiness? Would we appreciate it or just expect it?
This is a narrative from our parents generation and look how far we got… An entire generation emotionally unintelligent and in therapy or in dire need (I exaggerate, yes).
We have more people struggling with substance abuse than ever, more people in recovery (myself included) and while more people on antidepressants than ever (no hate to anti-depressants… they are lifesavers), less people identify as happy than ever before.
I don’t just want my kids to be happy. Deep down I think what I truly want is my kids to find fulfillment. Inner peace. Integrity and compassion.
And yes, I do hope they are happy a lot. But it’s not all I want for them — not even close. And I have to think they will want more for their lives as well.
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