I have the perfect life and I hate it!

I have noticed lately that many people are complaining that they are very dissatisfied and bored with their lives. They may have a great paying job, live in a nice house, and have a partner who they care about, but they are still not satisfied. Personally I believe we have all been so spoilt with the luxuries that the millennium has to offer, that many people are just plain bored. Although this is not the case for everyone, as many people hate their jobs, where they live, and also their partner, but if this is the case it would pretty much explain everything. But for those who have the necessities in life and are still unhappy, they are not alone.

I was visiting one of my friends today, who lives in a house by the beach, just as I do. It had been the most gorgeous day and we were both sitting there saying, "Well I guess this is it then, isn't it? People would kill to have lives like us, and we're sitting here complaining". Now I'm not saying either of us don't have our fair share of debts. Where I am living now is a far cry to where I was 2 years ago, and in regards to the type of job I was doing, this one is almost the opposite. I wanted to get out of the city so badly, and now I had I thought everything would be perfect. I sat there with my friend whist trying to work out why it wasn't. We decided it was partly to do with the continual pressure and worry about financially maintaining this kind of lifestyle (not that it's that lavish). But because of this, we didn't really get the space to enjoy what was around us. Well that was one theory anyway.

It seems it doesn't matter where you live, if you haven't found some kind of quiet contentment within yourself, you're not going to be that happy. People fill their lives up with socializing, work, and family, but rarely find something that they solely enjoy doing; that brings about a purpose. Some people try and fill this hole with religion, partners, addictions, you name it. But it's never long before we end up where we started. I'm currently blaming my emptiness over the fact that I have no boyfriend. But I know I'm kidding myself.

I have to admit, what comes to mind is one word - spirituality. This is a topic that is arising in my circle of friends more commonly. I hated the word five years ago, now I'm developing an understanding for it, and it kind of makes sense.

When there has been group discussions at dinners, it's not about 'God' or anything religious, it seems to be about finding self love, self respect, and forgiveness within yourself and of others. People don't want to walk around holding a grudge anymore, it's like a cancer, and hate really eats you up inside.

It also appears to be about reflecting on the past and wondering what you can do to make yourself happier, for example, "If I could do anything what would it be?" These days that question is not always that difficult to attain. For people who really have a passion for something these days, they are more than often able to achieve it when they put their heads down. After that though, it's essential to take time out, and literally "smell the flowers", or none of it's worth the effort.

For me, it is finding the time at dusk to take a walk down to the beach, and very peacefully watch the sunset. Sometimes I get so caught up in the beauty of it, that everything else around me doesn't exist, and then it becomes all worth it, because for that one moment my life is perfect.