The Key To Happiness
A lot of us spend our lives waiting for happiness. We think that if we can just land that job or find our person to settle down with, we’ll be happy. Though once we achieve those things, we quickly realize how fleeting that happiness is. When it wears off, we move on to the next thing that we think will make us happy. It can be a dangerous, never-ending cycle, and sometimes the strive for happiness can feel like an act of insanity—we end up doing the same things over and over expecting different results.
Some of the lucky ones have already got this figured out. They know that life isn’t about achieving that next goal, but it’s about the journey toward reaching each milestone. It’s through those journeies, and our ability to be totally present in the moment, that we find happiness. This is much easier said than done, which is why it can take people a lifetime to get to that place—and, unfortunately, some never do.
Despite all of this, have you ever wondered if there are times when your end goal could bring you complete, lasting happiness? Maybe you’ve found joy being present and practicing gratitude, but you feel like something’s missing—something that would make you feel free in a way you didn’t know was possible.
Move Or Grow Where You’re Planted?
We all have our own ideas of what will make us happy—the idea of achieving happiness through relocation, for example, isn’t uncommon, but it is controversial. There are many people who argue that moving won’t solve any of your problems, and the act alone cannot make you happy. Once you move, you’ll take all of your problems with you—then you’ll be just as unhappy, but in a new location. Though there is a lot of truth to this, it doesn’t discredit the fact that sometimes moving really can bring someone happiness. They say to grow where you’re planted, but I believe that sometimes you have to replant yourself to grow.
Why Moving Might Not Make You Happy
Life can get overwhelming. It often seems like when one thing goes wrong, more complications pile on. Trying to go about life while sorting out or fixing your problems can quickly lead to burnout. When we find ourselves in these situations, sometimes we just want to run—it doesn’t matter where to, we just want to start over fresh somewhere else. We like to believe that our problems are confined to an area and not a part of us. If we move, they won’t be able to follow. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Moving in order to escape whatever is going on in your life isn’t a good reason. No matter if it’s down the road or across the country, picking up and leaving is stressful. If you’re just trying to escape, all this will do is add more stress on top of whatever it is you’re trying to run from.
Why Moving Could Make You Happy
Climate
Climate is one reason why relocating may be exactly what you need to find happiness. If you live somewhere where it’s cold half of year, and you thrive in heat, you may be happier moving to a part of the country that stays warmer year-round. We all have our own ideas of an ideal climate, and luckily, there are locations that cater to all of these preferences. Love the snow? The UP in Michigan is your place. Feel comfort in rain? Washington State could be for you. Feel invigorated by heat? Try calling a state in the southwest home. You only want to use climate as a reason to relocate if you find that your mental health is being affected where you currently live. Climate alone may not be enough of a justification if it’s simply causing you annoyance or minor inconveniences.
Topography And Environment
Who doesn’t love waking up to a beautiful, scenic view? Bright sunrises over the ocean, or flaming sunsets cresting mountain peaks. It’s hard to see these natural awes and not feel a sense of happiness, humility, and presence in the moment. Some people are able to vacation to these areas once or twice a year and take those feelings back home with them. They’re left feeling recharged until their next trip. Some people aren’t so lucky. Sure, they feel energized while in the environment they love, but they feel disconnected and lost when they go back home. If you’ve noticed that you spend more time longing for a certain environment than you do enjoying where you actually reside, moving may be a good option for you.
Cost Of Living
It’s no secret that living in different areas can either be affordable or cost a premium. If you’re living in a city or state with a high cost of living, and you’re barely able to make ends meet, it might be a good idea to relocate somewhere cheaper. Living in a more expensive area means that once you pay your bills, you likely won’t have much money left over to enjoy life. If you lived somewhere with a lower cost of living, you’d be able to go out to eat more, plan vacations, go to events and concerts, or simply just have extra spending money. You’d be able to ditch the feeling of living to work, and you’d start working to live.
Access To Things That Give You Quality Of Life
We all have different interests and hobbies—things that show us what life is really about and that make us happy. If you live in an area where your interests aren’t easily accessible, you might find it taking a toll on your mental health. Sure, you could always try to find new hobbies, but those new hobbies won’t necessarily fill that void. No matter what it is that gives you life, there are locations for you. For example, if you’re really into:
- Food and drinks- you’d probably be happier in a bigger city that has tons of dining options, microbreweries, and a large nightlife scene.
- Immersing yourself in different cultures- you’re probably going to thrive in an environment with more diversity. This could be a large city, or it could be a geographic location vastly different from your own–one where you’re likely a minority.
- Spending time outdoors and enjoying nature- you might benefit from living somewhere with lots of options for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, or fishing. If you enjoy a variety of outdoor actives, many areas offer year-round options for recreation.
Still Unsure If Moving Will Make You Happy?
Moving isn’t going to solve all of your problems, but if you’re happier where you live, it may be easier to work through them. Though many people believe moving won’t make you happy, and some even believe it could increase your unhappiness, many people relocate for their mental health without regret. Truthfully, you’re the only one who knows what’s right for you. Chances are, you already know whether or not relocating is best for your mental health, but fear is telling you it won’t change a thing.
If you’re still not sure, try booking an Airbnb in the area you’re interested. I’d avoid hotels, because they can make you feel like you’re on vacation–this could affect the authenticity of your experience. As you soak in the environment, treat the experience as if you’ve already moved. If it feels right, you feel lighter and freer, and you can envision yourself living there, it might be the right choice for you. If you decide later that moving didn’t make you happy, you always have the option to move back home.