Personal Insight: Happy = Capacity + Meaning

In my endless pursuit of happiness, I often became disappointed because I misunderstood 'what actually makes a human being happy.' I thought "happy" was the combination of being comfortable (financial security, secure relationships, nice cars that don't breakdown) and purchasing experiences (vacations, concerts, buying gifts). This idea of happiness kept me chasing it like a dog and its tail until fitness taught me something that helped me understand what "happy" actually is.

Fitness made me feel great, introduced adventure into my life, help fight my demons, provided fortitude for prison, and generated a confidence to take risks I once feared. For all that fitness has (and continues) done for me, it was natural for me to think it was fitness making me happy. Nope. Fitness gives me an opportunity to work at my capacity towards something meaningful.

Capacity. Each workout is an opportunity to stretch my physical and mental ability...to play at the edge of "I didn't know I could do that." This releases a rush of happy chemicals that I am addicted to AND working at my capacity triggers an innate happiness that reaches a level of satisfaction. After an intense workout in which I flirt with a new edge, I do not feel unsatisfied or the need to continue chasing. I am accomplished and my spirit is content.

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In a world in which extreme productivity is a badge of honor, I feel perfectly content and satisfied after reaching just beyond my physical capacity of a workout. All looming tasks and thoughts do not weigh on my mind. No restlessness in my heart, just an inspired state of mind that helps me write, interact positively with others, and endure the mental anguish of prison. This is a modern marvel that positions me to pursue things of the soul. Turns out that working at my capacity has a greater impact on my happiness than being comfortable. I have applied this lesson beyond fitness to pursue endeavors that require a significant amount of "working at my capacity."

Meaning. The second part of my happy equation is "towards something meaningful." On the surface, I am working towards the building and launching of SelahTrails which has personal meaning well beyond bringing outdoor fitness to the community. It represents my place in the world.

I have developed a deep belief that fitness, when viewed as a WAY to create an inspired state of mind as opposed to fit into skinny jeans, contains life changing properties that can change the communities we live. That is a big claim, but the work to create a bridge from where we are today and share what I have experienced with fitness gives me tremendous meaning.

The work will definitely test my capacity and I can't wait to see how happy that makes me.