Happiness Comes from Living an Authentic Life

 

I saw some amazing art this week. On Sunday we saw the Chihuly exhibit. I've included some pictures but they don't even begin to do it justice. This exhibit is less about the individual pieces of blown glass then it is about an installation put together in a way to create a wonderful experience. I felt like I was walking through a cartoon. Everything was so colorful and surreal.

Then yesterday I went to the Boston Atheneum to see an Edward Gorey exhibit, and in doing so I discovered a new favorite artist as well as a cool place to go in Boston. It's amazing how much there is to discover in your own backyard.

 From Elegant Enigmas: The Art of Edward Gorey

I also had a chance to reflect this week about a favorite professor. She is retiring and as I was making a card for her, I was thinking about how much I admire how she lives according to her own values. When things change in her life, she doesn't  just stick around, she reinvents herself but always staying true to her own self.

In contrast, I've been thinking about a few people I know who consciously don't live authentic lives. They trade in their own true selves because it seems easier and more secure to give up that part of themselves. I wonder how that will turn out.

My point is not to be fixing or meddling in other people's lives. I'm just looking at the contrast and then reflecting on my life pursuit of happiness. As much as I've changed jobs, relationships and homes in my life looking for the thing or situation that would make me happy, I've come to realize that when I am in touch with my creative side, I am the most satisfied with my life–AKA happy.