Why Am I Never Content?
‘You can’t always get what you want’
~~~
Before I reveal the writing prompt that inspired this piece, I want to tell you a little story:
There is a tale told in Scottish folklore
or perhaps Bavarian,
as old as the hills,
about an unhappy witch who lived in the highlands
casting spells and brewing potions,
determined to find her happiness.
And every day the sun would rise
and the sun would set
but the poor witch remained sad.
One day, her eyes beheld a beguiling sorcerer
and she decided that his roguish charm and good looks
would make her very happy
But his super owers were as strong as hers,
if not stronger,
and he resisted her black magic to become an object of her desire.
And so, the witch remained sad.
Alas, she could not sleep. She could not eat. She did not want to live.
So, desperately, she plotted, looking for a way to achieve her happiness. She did not want to remain an anorexic, suicidal, unhappy insomniac.
Then thoughts came to her. She knew that the sorcerer would be attracted to cauldrons of gold. Certainly, he could not resist a beautiful, young maiden in a golden corset. Finally, he would regain his youthful exuberance if presented with a mercedes chariot and four strong stallions.
She went to work on her obsession, consulting books of secret, ancient magic spells. And so, the sorcerer, faced with the triple threat, fell under her spell and became enamored with the gold, the girl and all the guilty pleasures. And he agreed to wed the witch in exchange.
Finally, the witch had everything she thought she wanted.
Yet, she was still not happy.
She looked at her sorcerer and wondered what she ever saw in such a weak, selfish, spineless creature. And it occurred to her, that she could very well do much better for herself with her newly possessed unlimited powers, than settle for a mere sorcerer, when she could have, instead, the omnipotent, wealthy, handsome ruler of the entire magical kingdom.
She realized what needed to be done. For only then, would she be happy.
~~
End of story. So, although I may have just made up this little tale, it is, indeed as old as the ages of time.
There is a point. I have to ask myself the very question: Why am I always chasing happiness? Why is it never enough? Why am I not content?
There are so many examples in my life.
Possessions. Where does it stop? Or does shopping satisfy some primal urge for a more prestigious watch, a bigger house and luxury car.
Love life. Why is it never romantic or sexy enough? Is it due to unrealistic expectations we get from movies and hallmark moments or does it go back to childhood fairy tales?
Writing. I realize that every one of us has a story to tell. Or a point of view. No matter how unique or universal. I do have glimpses and moments of fulfillment. But I am forever chasing my tail, searching for something, answers, understanding, enlightenment, validation.
Tonight, I realize that seeking validation can leave us empty, out of gas, with a cut fuel line.
I could go on to tell you what else I learned, the importance of gratitude in everything we do.
~~~
Inspired by Aisha and her piece, “This Thing Called Life” that made me look at happiness and contentment with fresh eyes.
