Why we’re so unhappy

Author

Yukta Parikh
March 15, 2024

The world sucks and capitalism is draining the joy of life. That’s the short answer, but the long answer is much more important. We’re facing a loneliness epidemic, and more people are suffering from mental health issues than ever before. With the pandemic, an economic downturn, and war, we have so much to deal with. Happiness is hard to get when things are so hard everywhere. 

I finally feel content for probably the first time in my life, but it took me so long to get here and I had to be intentional about it. I don’t think anyone can be 100% happy all the time, but we can be content and be happier. We can be glad to be where we are. But, so many people are not content. I have many theories about why, but I’ll only touch on 4 (for now). 

The world sucks

I wasn’t joking when I said this. The climate is in danger, unemployment is growing, inflation is getting worse every day, there is constant violence around the world, and people are dying. In conclusion, the world sucks. It’s hard to be happy when so many people are not (but that’s exactly why happiness is necessary). 

Happiness is revolutionary, it gives us hope. We need hope when everything looks like it is falling apart. We fight for happiness by allowing ourselves to have and maintain hope when things are going badly. Reminding myself of what I am grateful for always brings me back. There is still good in the world. We can still enjoy the good in the world. And we should! 

Hobbies are for making money

We aren’t passionate about hobbies anymore or we’re trying to turn them into a paycheck. So many people and families are living in survival mode which means there’s less time for people to enjoy the things they love. The desire to make more money is a desire so many people have. And part of it is due to capitalism. 

Sometimes, I get caught up in wanting to monetize my hobbies. What if I became an influencer? I could pay off my student debt! But if I started posting on TikTok to make money, I would lose what made me start posting. I would lose the fun. We need fun and passion in our lives. Even if it’s small, it’s important. Pick up that book, or that paintbrush, and let’s find that simple joy again. 

Not enough walkable cities 

Being able to walk to a bookstore, coffee shop, park, or library would make my life significantly better. The last time I could do that easily was in college and it made the biggest difference. Thankfully, I live in a big city and right next to a park for the moment so it’s still easy especially when Chicago has extensive public transportation. 

That sense of community though, is missing. We are so focused on individualism rather than collectivism in the United States. We’ve been taught to think that community isn’t important, but it makes all the difference. Getting to know your neighbors and saying good morning to people you pass by. As humans, we are social creatures. Getting rid of that social aspect of life is hurting us. 

It’s cool to care about others and to strive for a supportive community. 

No individuality 

Consumerism has turned us all into copies of each other, but beyond that, we want to fit in. We don’t want to stand out. But doing what everyone else is doing doesn’t make everyone happy. Bring back being different and trying new things. We can’t grow if we’re just trying to be like everyone else. I don’t want to be anyone else, do you? 

You don’t need to buy the newest jeans that are trending unless YOU want to. Half of these trends will be gone in 2 weeks anyway. Wear what you want, do what you want, and live life the way you want. We don’t need to fit into any image of who we should be. 

We should all be less afraid to show up as our true selves (myself included). 

Currently Consuming

Reading 

  • In Her Own Voice by Jennifer McCollum 

    • It’s women’s history month!!! This book is about reclaiming your power at work and what it’s like being a woman climbing the corporate ladder. 

Watching

  • Abbott Elementary on Hulu

    • I love this show so so so so so much. Janine and I are the same….and I love it! 

Listening 

See ya!!

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next week!

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