Tides of Contentment

Musings a la Maldives

I think the tides move slower here, as if independent from the cycle of the moon and in contradiction to the pattern of the sun. Waves don’t become waves. They loll on the shoreline and arch temptingly into that perfect curl then somehow soften before they break.

It's like looking out into infinity and the horizon asks, why would you ever do anything else but sit here? When people say the grass is greener on the other side, this is what they’re referring to.

It feels as if I could never get sad here, the perfection would conjure guilt if the sadness ever crept in, but then I think that even those who live here would eventually take this for granted. They would look at the horizon and wish they were on the other side, for life is still life no matter where you live it and people will always be people: proud, selfish, strong, weak, lustful, unsatisfied, ignorant, unwilling, boastful and forever looking to that destination where they are happy once and for all.

The most important thing I have ever learnt is that happiness is not the finish line; it is part of the ride. No one can say they have been happy every second of their lives and those that do are either lying or should consider themselves truly fortunate. It is easy to confuse happiness with contentment, though it is true they go hand in hand. Those who possess the ability to be content greatly increase their chance at being happy. Contentment is knowing that what you dream of achieving is actually possible and removes the fear that failure is imminent.

We all wish that life was easier, that we could have the time to slow down and be a part of what we create, but we move on too quickly, eager to rise to bigger and better things. I fear that one day I will look up from what I am doing and realise that I missed it, missed life, all in the pursuit of something greater.

It is in this moment where I find contentment, this moment where I choose to be happy, this moment where I breathe the air and know that if it never gets any sweeter then that is okay.

Time moves slower here, I move slower here. My thoughts feel like the ocean, rolling high above the coral, but gliding over it because right now it is no cause for concern. The coral may hide dangers or house brilliance, however for now that doesn't matter. For once in my life I will push all thoughts and worries aside and allow my peaceful self to take over. I deserve it. I don’t believe that I am a bad person, but sometimes I don’t believe that I am worthy of nice things. I treat people the best I can and build them up, because without purpose, without feeling valued, we demolish ourselves. Feelings of self worth can be the difference between happiness and sadness. I should know.

Why is it always easier to compliment someone else that believe it in yourself?

Because we all wish we were better and the discontentment ruins our chance to be happy.