Thought for the Week
Have you ever noticed how your happiness baseline—that bundle of things you consider essential for satisfaction—is constantly shifting? That’s because it’s based on what you’re currently used to, and what you’re currently used to is, well, just that, current.
I frequently grumble, in my head if not out loud, when I have to drive to an ATM in order to deposit a check. (True, it can be done online, but then I usually need cash too–you know, that wrinkly paper stuff you’re not legally allowed to download to your printer.) And yet I once thought ATMs were the coolest invention ever: “Woo-hoo! I don’t have to go inside the bank anymore!” Now I think of them like Wells Fargo wagons (Amazon 1.0), as vestiges of a bygone era. In other words, my happiness baseline never stops shifting…
Because it’s built on sand.
Perhaps it would be easier if, instead of trying to satisfy my constantly shifting expectations, I were to remind myself–every time I started to grumble–that there are two things that never change:
- I am loved
- And I have a purpose
And these two thing are, in fact, all that really matters in life. No shifting sand there, just solid rock (Matthew 7:24-25). Does your happiness baseline keep shifting? If so, maybe it’s time to move it to a new address…
One built on a rock.
Mitch Teemley 
What a potent reminder for a Monday morning…or any morning…Mitch. Love the message but the chuckles about Amazon 1.0? So fun! 🙂🙂🙂
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Thanks, Victoria!
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Amen!
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That was great. Changing forever changing but God’s love never.
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Last week week I was happy my boiler got fixed. Today I am happy the Wi Fi came back on. Of course those are two things that have nothing to do with real happiness!
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😁 I used to think banking apps were too risky . Now I almost never go to the bank !
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That Rock is a wonderful place to live–I highly recommend it!
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What a wonderful reminder Mitch. Thank you.
Chuckled about the wrinkly paper stuff that we are not legally allowed to download to your printer 😁.
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Glad you enjoyed it, Manu.
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I don’t even like to carry that wrinkly paper stuff anymore. 😝 But your point is well taken, Mitch. Great reminder!
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matthew 9 & 7
verses 49-50
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I love the message you tied in with the Bible verse, Mitch. It does, however, remind me of the Three Little Pigs.
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;>)
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I love this, Mitch, and it’s right on time. Thank you so much!
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My pleasure, TrE!
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My wife and I recently completed some remodeling of our 30 year old home. Cleaning out closets, we found a whole van load of stuff we never (or seldom) used. For instance, who needs four knee braces? I only have have two knees! Over the years, I bought one every time I needed it without remembering I already had 2 or 3. Many of us are literally surrounded by stuff that contributes little to our long term happiness. We have 2 or 3 of everything we need, but are none the wiser.
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Wise and helpful words!
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Thanks for the reminder! I stopped to get a coffee the other day and they didn’t even take cash…
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I good reminder. It is a philosophy I use in life and in coaching (Yes, I have a blog post about it). I think people forget that we are in control much of our lives, our reactions, our joy. Life is a verb…
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Amen, Joel.
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My happiness baseline? A smile from a child.
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Perfect, Jennie. And in your case probably a very regular occurrence!
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Yes. I’m very lucky, and feel truly blessed.
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Love it, Mitch! A couple thoughts; happiness is ephemeral, while joy is eternal. And in addition to the two things you mentioned that never change (being loved and having purpose), the antidote to grumbling is to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
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