Equal or Unique?
In the Declaration of Independence, the notion that all are created equal with the inalienable right to pursue happiness is affirmed. However, the reality is more complex. We each possess unique abilities, circumstances, and life experiences. So, what does equality truly entail?
Understanding Equality
Equality signifies that everyone should have the same right to pursue happiness and life satisfaction without unnecessary hindrances. Despite our differences, equal opportunities for success should be allowed to all.
Appreciating Differences
In comparison to those around us, we may vary in height, attractiveness, intelligence, discipline, emotional stability, motivation, and/or talent. However, no one is inherently superior or inferior. Our differences enrich the world, making it diverse and fascinating. How we utilize our uniqueness is ultimately up to us.
Time as the Equalizer
Despite our myriad disparities, time is distributed equally. Each day consists of 24 hours, irrespective of our desires for it to either stretch longer or shorten in times of hardship. Time waits for no one and shows no favoritism.
The Author of Your Own Story
According to philosopher John Locke, we are born as blank slates, with life resembling a book filled with empty pages. The length of this book varies greatly, with some lives tragically brief and others enduring for over a century. Every day presents an opportunity to write a new page in our story. The challenge lies in filling these pages with fulfillment, as the pursuit of happiness is not confined to the privileged few.
Every Day a New Beginning
The routine of daily life can lead us to merely endure the workweek, eagerly awaiting the weekend only to find ourselves lamenting the return of Monday. Before we realize it, another year has passed us by. How do we evade the trap of allowing life to slip away without purpose? The key lies in remaining consistently mindful of each moment.
Filling Your Pages
Every day presents us with 24 hours to contribute to the narrative of our lives. Today will cease to exist at midnight, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment. By fully immersing ourselves in social interactions when the occasions arise, engaging in enjoyable activities or achievements when by ourselves, and confronting challenges with strategy and skill, we can transform even difficult days into sources of personal satisfaction.
Tracking Happiness
Implementing a method to track daily happiness can prevent life from drifting aimlessly and keep us focused on our goals, regardless of external circumstances. Using a calendar as a visual representation and assigning colors to denote the quality of each day—yellow for happy days, blue for miserable ones, and a mixture for neutral days—we can track how our lives are unfolding. Striving for predominantly “yellow” months regardless of what each day brings encourages a proactive approach to happiness.
Living in the Moment
This mentality can be applied hourly, with brief check-ins at the beginning of each hour to assess our 60-minute degree of fulfillment and briefly consider how to maximize the forthcoming hour. By embracing mindfulness we can derive satisfaction from life’s simple pleasures and tackle obstacles with creativity and resilience.
Life Authorship One Page at a Time
While we are not equal in every aspect, we can endeavor to create equal opportunities for all to pursue happiness, including ourselves. Life grants us all equal time to craft the existence we desire. Each night, as we reflect on the day that has passed, we have the opportunity to assess whether it was spent in a manner aligned with our aspirations. And if today’s canvas appears tinged with blue, take solace in knowing that there’s a yellow marker too.
