According to Alain de Botton, and I could not agree more, human beings are likely to pursue unhappiness. Nothing on earth is easier for us than achieving it. Maybe because we do lose the sense of time and, as a result, we start taking life for granted or simply because we are not aware of the simplicity of life. Not being able to understand these aspects may keep ourselves occupied with unimportant things and committed to our daily life without at least realizing the importance of determining our priorities. This lack of sensitivity and awareness will only lead us to postpone projects, travels, love affairs, studies that really matter. Later on, such a behaviour will bring feelings of regret and dissatisfaction with our own life.
How different things could turn out if we only took a deep breath and thought about these two equally important aspects of human beings life. By simply realizing how fast life goes by and how meaningful small things are, we would certainly become more aware of our actions, thoughts and attitudes before life. Also, we might be wondering what is wrong with us once we have undoubtedly in mind which our life projects are, but, even so, we keep doing the same things the same way as always. In that case, we might be being deceived by fearing the unknown. Dissatisfaction and unhappiness are either the result of fearing to try new paths and so keep ourselves attached to what is already known or of not having the courage to follow our inner voice and choosing to live other people's life.
In his novel "In Search of Lost Time" (published in 1913), Proust stated that in order to stop wasting time and start enjoying life it is crucial that we get to know which our real priorities are. At this point, it is important to bear in mind that priorities must be considered like something subjective. They might change as time goes by but they can never be transferred from one person to another. What might be important for you may be useless for me.
Lightened by Proust's thoughts, I would appreciate it if you answered my question: Have you already asked yourself which your real priorities in life are? If your answer is yes, feel free to share your opinion with us. If not, have a go. You might surprise yourself.
Post based on "HOW PROUST CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE" (written by Alain de Botton).
http://alaindebotton.com/literature/
http://www.theschooloflife.com/london/
