Finding Fulfillment Beyond “More”

By: Izzy Larson

We live in a world where it is so common to always be seeking the next “new” or “better” version of what we have. We are so focused on the materialistic things in life that make us feel more important, and in a society that is so focused on external validation and extrinsic values it is hard not to be materialistic.

While traveling and experiencing new places and new cultures, I have struggled to understand the reason that the people I am meeting are so happy and content with the things they have and the life they are living. It makes me wonder why everyone around me at home seems to always be chasing happiness instead of being happy with what they have.

I have come to understand something really important after years of traveling with Youthlinc, and seeing so many different communities of the most loving and kind hearted people from all around the world. I have experienced the same thing within each community–the way that they view and value life is changing the way they experience the world. What is valuable to them is often the growth within themselves, the people around them and the small moments of everyday life. When we start to shift our values in life to the intrinsic instead of the extrinsic, life is so much more beautiful and fulfilling.

We are told that in order for something to be valuable it must be difficult to obtain, and because of this we work so hard to reach that next promotion, buy the new house, new car, or achieve the next life milestone. But then when we reach that place and realize that it was attainable, it becomes less valuable and we are onto the next thing. Real happiness comes from internal change, finding the things that let us grow intellectually and emotionally.

I have learned so much more about myself through intentionally examining how I value life and redefining my own fulfillment and happiness. I find value in stepping outside my comfort zone, understanding the world, and being a kind person. Because of this change in perspective in my own life I am more able to really experience the world.

I challenge you to let yourself be open to real understanding of yourself, embracing the discomfort of change, and allowing yourself to see the world from a perspective outside of your own. “What a blessing to be able to learn life from other lenses and see the world from different backgrounds and cultures, it’s so beautiful. The world would be a better place if everyone could travel and learn.”