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When Were You the Happiest?

One simple question that can be a guiding light on your journey

I’ve had a rough couple weeks. I have been working on a few new creative projects and am getting bogged down with the details, and learning all kinds of new stuff that doesn’t come naturally or excite me very much. I have been writing but not much, and not writing from my soul, which is when I feel the best and most inspired.

When my energy feels heavy, or I’m confused or overwhelmed, I often write to untangle my mind.

When our heads are swirling with thoughts, ideas, and emotions, it’s difficult to think straight and stay focused on anything for any length of time.

This complicates life.

I grabbed my notebook this morning and started writing things I am grateful for, which is my go-to prompt to get my mind positive and the words flowing. It led me to ask myself a question:

When was I the most happy?

I sat with this for a few minutes and thought about the different phases and stages of my life.

When I was a kid I wouldn’t say I was ever super happy about life- because I remember just wanting to be a grown up so I could do whatever I wanted. There were certainly happy times, but I wouldn’t say at any stage of childhood was a phase of utter bliss.

I had an abusive older brother and strict (but great) parents; I just wanted to be free.

These same feelings continued into my teenage years; I worked, had a car and independence, and was able to do some things that I wanted to do, but it really just felt like a waiting period. My 18th birthday couldn’t come soon enough. The freedom of adulthood and not being told what to do or what not to do was the only driving force for me.

So when I thought back to the last 20 years- pretty much my entire adult life- some periods stood out.

When was I the happiest?

There were 3 times above everything:

#1: In my late teens and early 20s when I lived on my own (autonomy was absolutely everything I thought it would be). I was working full-time at something I was good at and using talents and…