This is such a great read, thank you for writing and for sharing your experience. I’ve spent so much time thinking about happiness lately, namely in the sense of exactly what you said—why is it so fleeting when every other feeling seems to stick around? In terms of being an artist, I feel like that search for happiness is even more fleeting because of the moving goal posts and not defining clear objectives. How often do I see artists—myself include—achieve something worth sustained happiness only to then turn and say “what’s next?” without ever stopping to enjoy the happiness. It’s almost like a drug in that sense, once you have a taste of it, you want more, and only more because it doesn’t feel sustaining after awhile.
I’m rambling, but this really got me thinking! Again, thanks for sharing.
You're so right about artists! I always experience a dip in mood after completing a writing project. I think it's partly because I've invested so much into the story, which has been part of my daily life for potentially years (there's a sort of grieving process that happens), and partly because the project itself has provided a purpose and drive that suddenly disappears once it's complete. I wonder if there's a difference in that experience depending on whether you're a solo artist or whether you've been working as part of a team? 🤔
I have to consciously stop myself seeking out the next high and just sit in the moment, reflect on the process and quietly enjoy having a finished work in my hands.
Have you heard of the hedonic treadmill? It's an interesting theory explaining this idea that humans seem programmed to chase after ever-increasing highs. I actually think that these addictive highs we experience aren't true happiness but a type of elation. I think true, lasting happiness is actually much more to do with a quiet contentment that we find in the everyday mundanities of life. The moments when I've realised I'm happy have usually been when I'm doing something really ordinary, like cooking a meal from scratch, going for a walk, or listening to music (and maybe having a little dance) whilst I wash up. I've still got a lot to figure out and I think it's probably going to be a life long journey... there's a lot of unlearning to do and a constant battle with all the siren voices of the modern world that encourage you to chase the next high over here and over there.
This is such a great read, thank you for writing and for sharing your experience. I’ve spent so much time thinking about happiness lately, namely in the sense of exactly what you said—why is it so fleeting when every other feeling seems to stick around? In terms of being an artist, I feel like that search for happiness is even more fleeting because of the moving goal posts and not defining clear objectives. How often do I see artists—myself include—achieve something worth sustained happiness only to then turn and say “what’s next?” without ever stopping to enjoy the happiness. It’s almost like a drug in that sense, once you have a taste of it, you want more, and only more because it doesn’t feel sustaining after awhile.
I’m rambling, but this really got me thinking! Again, thanks for sharing.
You're so right about artists! I always experience a dip in mood after completing a writing project. I think it's partly because I've invested so much into the story, which has been part of my daily life for potentially years (there's a sort of grieving process that happens), and partly because the project itself has provided a purpose and drive that suddenly disappears once it's complete. I wonder if there's a difference in that experience depending on whether you're a solo artist or whether you've been working as part of a team? 🤔
I have to consciously stop myself seeking out the next high and just sit in the moment, reflect on the process and quietly enjoy having a finished work in my hands.
Have you heard of the hedonic treadmill? It's an interesting theory explaining this idea that humans seem programmed to chase after ever-increasing highs. I actually think that these addictive highs we experience aren't true happiness but a type of elation. I think true, lasting happiness is actually much more to do with a quiet contentment that we find in the everyday mundanities of life. The moments when I've realised I'm happy have usually been when I'm doing something really ordinary, like cooking a meal from scratch, going for a walk, or listening to music (and maybe having a little dance) whilst I wash up. I've still got a lot to figure out and I think it's probably going to be a life long journey... there's a lot of unlearning to do and a constant battle with all the siren voices of the modern world that encourage you to chase the next high over here and over there.