Journal Writing Prompt: The secret of happiness
“The secret of happiness is not in what one likes to do, but, in what one has to do.”
~ James M. Barrie
In your journal, explore today’s quote. What do you think James Barrie means when he says that the secret of happiness is is in what one has to do? Do you think it has something to do with finding joy in those daily necessary tasks? Or, is it about choices - choosing the have-to-do’s wisely? All of us have some similar have-to-do’s… Laundry, house work, cooking, etc… How do you find happiness in the daily mundane tasks? Take some time to fully explore this in your journal.
Daily journal writing prompt bonus: I am a huge proponent of choosing your occupation according to what you are passionate about. I know this flies in the face of some advice given by money-making gurus (who claim that it doesn’t matter what you do - even if you hate it or have no interest - as long as you make lots & lots of money), but, I really believe this is one area of your life in which you can exercise some control and thus create a more harmonic and happy life.
For example, I have some friends who are passionate about education. Some work as teachers, others as private/professional educators. The teachers aren’t paid well, but, they are so passionate and excited about their occupation, the pay is something they can “deal with”. My friends who have chosen to create their own business as professional educators have had struggles financially - as all small business owners do when they are starting out. However, they continue moving forward because their passion, joy, and happiness is in that occupation. Sure, there are things that these professional educators *could* do that would reap greater financial rewards, but, they don’t believe that the trade off of greater financial rewards is worth the sacrifice they would make by doing something they don’t love.
In your journal, take some time to think about your occupation in light of today’s quote. Is the secret of professional happiness in what you have to do? Is it possible to “have to do” something that you absolutely adore and are passionate about? Is that part of the secret? Write about it, and, share your responses with us (if you would like)…maybe it may inspire some more journaling thought for others!
Happy Journaling!
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