Every morning I see a Cassia Fistula tree at the beach park. From a distance those flowers appear just like Indian yellow grapes. It is nothing short of a delusion. Only upon looking closely, one notices, these are flowers, not grapes.
This morning, as I clicked a few pictures, I realized what we crown as success is similar to my flower-fruit delusion. Be it grades, money, power or status, we always chase that which looks like the perfect picture of happiness from afar. It is only a close encounter with that achievement that leaves us yearning for more. Just like being on a hedonic treadmill.
But with the current COVID-19 situation, we are forced to be grounded. Confined within the four walls with just our families, no external help and no escape path, aren’t we back to basics – food, shelter and clothing? What does success mean under this lock down?
I must confess, my overly full wardrobe overly full with nowhere to go makes little sense. Domestic chores that seemed purely the job of a helper now consume my day and help me maintain sanity. Cooking and eating fresh meals ensures both my anger and weight are kept under check. There is no time for gadgets. And vacations happen only in my imagination, much like childhood.
What then is success? And exactly how much would suffice? I leave that to you to answer. Personally, I am taking one day at a time, spending more time with loved ones and reading all I wish to.
Today’s Lesson: Success isn’t being on a Hedonic treadmill. Success doesn’t lead to permanent happiness either. It is the journey that matters. So the next I see something glittering from afar, I won’t make it my next mission. I will call it a delusion. All that glitters is not gold.
Parent By Chance 