In the course of my life, moments of genuine happiness and contentment have been fleeting. As I entered my mid-30s, the struggle to sustain such moments became overwhelming. Fueled by a determination to change, I embarked on a journey to eliminate the sources of my unhappiness, believing that it would pave the way for a happier life.
The first thing I eliminated was, of course, my job.
At the time, I was working as a Product Manager at a used car trading platform.
A Product Manager’s day is a disaster in itself. Endless meetings from the moment I walked in drained my spirit among planners, developers, and designers. My physical well-being suffered as I couldn’t even take a timely break to go to the restroom.
The decision to quit was made easier by the fact that my savings could cover immediate living expenses.
Next, I distanced myself from people, including my parents.
Navigating my relationship with them had always been a challenge, and I found myself overly influenced by their opinions.
While reshaping this relationship for the better seemed ideal, the daunting process led me to choose temporary separation. I also decided to cut ties with friends I no longer resonated with.
Lastly, I shed the burden of acting for others—thinking and expending energy on their behalf.
Despite being a single man with no direct responsibilities, my life resembled that of a leader managing a large family. Counseling revealed that I could redefine my life, say “no” confidently, and release myself from the burden of meeting others’ expectations.
Having discarded so much, did happiness finally find its way to me?
Regrettably, the answer is “no.” Despite eliminating almost everything, I find myself still grappling with unhappiness, lethargy, and a persistent low mood. What went wrong?
I’m contemplating two possible causes, and the definitive answer still eludes me. Join me in the next post as I delve into these reasons and seek a path towards genuine happiness.
As I reflect on my journey, I’m eager to hear your thoughts. Have you experienced a similar quest for happiness? What insights or advice can you share? Let’s start a conversation in the comments below. Your perspective might be the key to unlocking the next chapter of this exploration.
Max