The Opportunity of a Lifetime
Have you ever had a phone call from someone trying to sell you something?
"Hi, This is Life Calling. Today Only! You have a special opportunity to buy your life back."
"What? I didn't know I sold it."
You might not notice it, but many people eventually let go of their dreams and fall into routines. No matter if their jobs seem ordinary or impressive, they still might not feel happy.
When I coach people, I often ask, "What does success mean for you?" Most say, "I want to be happy." That’s not surprising. If you ask anyone, "Do you want to be happy?" they’ll say yes. Who wants to be sad or depressed? Judging by all the books and articles on happiness, probably no one.
But here’s the challenge: If you aren’t happy now, what could make you happy, and for how long? I’ve noticed that many single people want to be married, and many married people wish they weren’t—at least not to their current partner.
Remember when you were a child and looking forward to something special? Maybe you wanted a particular toy or a specific activity? Perhaps you wanted to visit someone or go somewhere? Can you remember a time when you got what you wanted?
When I was a child, I loved going to the Dime Store with my grandparents and getting a new toy. The happiness from those treats was real but didn’t last long. Now, I can’t remember most of those toys. We often believe big rewards, like a trip to Disneyland, will make us happy for good, but the excitement fades and reality comes back. Even at Disneyland, you can see kids and parents who don’t look happy.
Happiness from outside things fades fast, whether it comes from success or small pleasures. For example, lying in the grass makes me happy for a while, but it doesn’t mean I’m successful. Many people who seem successful still aren’t satisfied, which shows that outside achievements don’t bring lasting happiness.
So, what really matters isn’t outside happiness, because it doesn’t always lead to success. Instead, if you find joy and happiness inside yourself, it can last, no matter what’s happening around you. Life can be hard, painful, stressful, and overwhelming, but you can still choose to be happy.
Let me give you an example of inner strength. Have you ever watched "America's Got Talent"? There was a young woman who auditioned as a singer. She wrote and performed her own song, and she was very talented. After her performance, the judges were amazed by her positive attitude. They couldn’t understand how she stayed so upbeat, especially since she had stage 4 cancer with only a 2% chance of survival. Here’s what she said:
"You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy."
In the end, happiness is a choice. Choosing to be happy won’t make you successful on its own, but it can help. If you feel happy inside, it will show on the outside too.
Sometimes, you’ll feel like giving up or taking the easy way out. Success often takes more time, effort, and resources than you expect, and it can test your relationships. There’s always a chance you won’t reach your goals. Still, you can choose to be happy.
Think about Jane Marczewski, also known as Nightbirde. She got the Golden Buzzer from Simon and chased her dream, but later chose to leave the competition to focus on her biggest fight—her life. It was a hard and disappointing choice. Some people might think she gave up and missed her chance at success. But in another way, she’s living her success every day. Each morning she wakes up and is still here, that’s a victory and a success.
So, what does this mean for you? If you’re alive, it’s never too late to start working toward your dreams, hopes, and goals. No matter your age or situation, you can begin. Start by changing your attitude, being intentional, and letting people who believe in you support you.
Everyone has a purpose that’s bigger than just their job. We often meet someone and ask, "What do you do?" and then judge them by their work or status.
You are much more than your current role. Be intentional and let yourself soar.
Fear doesn’t have to control you.
Life calls for you to breathe and imagine.
You can do it.
[ringing phone - spam call]
"Today, I'm calling to give you a special opportunity. For a limited time, you can repurchase your life."
"Oh yeah? What will it cost me?"
"Everything!"
H Mark Taylor lives on a farm with his lifelong friend, their German Shepherds, and practices mindfulness. He is a leadership and life coach with over 20 years of experience. He earned a Master's in Information Management from Washington University and holds several certifications in Leadership, Project Management, and Cyber Security. H Mark credits his wife, Young, and God.
© copyright 2022 H Mark Taylor
