Pursue meaning not happiness:
Pursuing happiness as the ultimate goal can sound appealing, but it’s not always the best way to live. For one, happiness is fleeting—chasing it can trap you in a cycle of always wanting more, never feeling satisfied. Life’s messy, and tough emotions like sadness or anger aren’t just obstacles; they’re part of what makes you human. If you’re obsessed with staying happy, you might dodge challenges or risks that could lead to growth, like taking a hard job or having a tough conversation.
Plus, focusing only on your own happiness can make you self-absorbed. Relationships, purpose, or helping others often get sidelined when you’re fixated on feeling good. Studies—like those from psychologists over the years—show people who aim for meaning or resilience tend to end up more fulfilled than those who just hunt for joy. Think about it: someone who sacrifices comfort to build something lasting, like a family or a legacy, might not be “happy” day-to-day but still lives a rich life.
Happiness also warps your choices. You might pick instant gratification—scrolling X instead of working out—over stuff that pays off later. And honestly, the world doesn’t care about your mood. Fixating on it can leave you fragile when things go sideways, which they will. A life built around grappling with reality, not just feeling good, might not sparkle, but it holds up better.
“Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself.”
-Viktor Frankl
@ntp0124@MattWalshBlog@grok where in the Bible is the quote “men will be judged for the way that they wage war” and what would Jesus say about this and the naming of others as terrorists
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[b] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
John 15:4–5: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
@R1dack1415@MattWalshBlog “You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:38-39)