Standards

     I can't help but notice that many people don't seem happy. I can't reinforce this idea with any proof, it's an observation, with my perception of reality. The matter is subjective, really you have to define what happiness is to begin to label someone happy or unhappy. People have "happy" moments and/or "happy" periods of their life, which means that "happiness" is temporary in many cases for some people. But why???
    Many of these individuals have all of the elements in their life that construct the idea of happiness that is generally used by today's standards. They have friends, families, food, shelter.......they also have love, whether they are giving it, or getting it. However, certain people aren't happy. I think a better term to use would be satisfied, many people aren't satisfied. Is it because they don't appreciate what they do have? Perhaps. Maybe it's because they are living up to the standards set for them. Which, to me, is where the problem begins, "standards SET FOR THEM".
     From the moment we're born, we are expected to do and achieve certain, and sometimes, specific tasks and to also follow through with obligations that have been laid out for us. Some people follow along and play this game and are perfectly content in doing so. They may question the validity of this process, and decide that  it is sufficient for their life and future action. Others may question it, and not be so thrilled about the chain of events ahead of them and decide to as they please with what they see fit for their life...their very short human experience on this planet. People who follow along the path of what is acceptable, however aren't fulfilled, seem to me to be unhappy, and to me, this is a tragedy.
     If you or someone you know isn't satisfied with their current situation, don't be afraid to change it, what's the worst that can happen? REALLY? Help those you love, by making a simple suggestion, "SET YOUR OWN STANDARDS", if you don't like your job, QUIT IT! if you see something you want, GET IT! if there is a place you want to go, GO TO IT! if you don't like someone else's version of satisfactory and acceptable standards of behavior, THEN QUIT LIVING BY THEM!
     Life is short, make the most of your days, do what you want, do what really makes you happy. There just isn't any sense in restricting yourself, WE ARE PRODUCTS OF OUR EXPERIENCE, DON'T GET WRAPPED UP IN LEARNING FROM THEM, BECAUSE, YOU'LL MISS THE EXPERIENCE, AND LEARN NOTHING, YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE THE EXPERIENCE TO LEARN FROM IT. Our destinations are similar, but the ride to them is enjoyable part, or at least it should be. Live by your own standards, YOU decide what is suitable for your human experience, NO ONE ELSE, don't be afraid of what others think, the ones who understand are the ones who will help you, and embrace your courage. The people who bastardize you are the ones who most likely aren't happy. Odds are they would like to do what you what you've done; break through the chains of restraint, which have shackles of "acceptability" forged on them.
    If you are scared of taking a leap, start small, one or two days a week do whatever you want to do, it can be anything, everything, even nothing. Love your life.