When Chasing Happiness Is Bad

April 03, 2020

Image by Kari Shea from Pixabay

“Chasing petty happiness pushes greater happiness out of reach.”
— Gretchen Rubin

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2 comments

  1. That is one to reflect on...I am curious about what "petty happiness" means...Do I chase petty happiness? What is the difference between small, simple pleasures and petty? I looked up "petty". "Of little importance, trivial."
    Is the definition of petty different for different indivuduals? i would love to hear your thoughts on this, Kathy. Stay safe, serene, Rita

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  2. Rita--I'm so glad you asked! I think the line between "petty" and "simple" pleasures is probably pretty thin, as well as being flexible and different for each person. What this quote means to me is that I should keep in mind the "big picture" of my happiness and not sabotage it by *always* making choices that would draw me away from my ultimate good. when thinking about food, for example--if I always choose to indulge my desire for sweets/junk food/what have you, my ultimate happiness goal of being healthy will suffer. That doesn't mean that I will never choose to eat or drink the simple pleasure treat, though. Also to use Gretchen Rubin's terms, I'm a moderator rather than an abstainer :)

    I also think there are times to practice self-discipline and times to be more indulgent. And this is probably different for everyone, too.

    I'm not sure what Gretchen herself had in mind here. Would be an interesting conversation, no?

    Hope you are still safe and healthy, and some nice spring weather has come your way. (I need to catch up on your blog again!)

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