In this grand tapestry of human existence, filled with dreams, desires, and aspirations, only one thing remains constant: the pursuit of satisfaction. Even though it is the one thing that truly makes us feel good, that makes us feel the most alive, it is often the thing that alludes us the most. In the insanity of societal expectations and personal ambitions, true satisfaction often seems as elusive as a mirage shimmering on the distant horizon of our accomplishments. Is true satisfaction found at the journey’s end or is it in the journey itself? Is it the destination or the paths that we take in our pursuits?

Satisfaction, at its core, is a deeply personal experience. It transcends merely reaching our goals or fulfilling our desires. It is about finding peace, contentment, and a sense of true purpose in our lives. Yet, we often focus our pursuits on the external markers of success—money, fame, recognition, etc. 

Aristotle said, "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence." He argued that true satisfaction is intricately tied to the pursuit of happiness, a journey that begins with understanding our desires and motivations. Each of us harbors within ourselves a calling, a purpose that is unique to our individuality. It may not be neatly packaged or readily apparent, but it's there, waiting to be discovered.

Our desires are signposts guiding us toward our true calling. They may feel like fleeting whims or passing fancies, but they are manifestations of our deepest longings. Whether it's a passion for art, a desire for connection, or a yearning for adventure, these desires are the whispers of our soul, beckoning us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment. It is, as some would suggest, and I am among them: the reason why we are here.

True satisfaction is not passive; it demands action. It requires us to muster the will and the courage to pursue our dreams relentlessly, despite any challenges or obstacles that may lie in our path. We must take the first step towards what we want, even though the outcome is uncertain and the way is unclear. The road may be shrouded in darkness and it often feels terrifying. But, it is only in the act of moving forward, of actively pursuing our dreams and desires, that we uncover the true essence of satisfaction.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow talked about a hierarchy of needs, with self-actualization—the realization of our potential—at its pinnacle. According to him, true satisfaction can only be achieved when we strive to become the best version of ourselves—when we align our actions with our highest aspirations. That journey of self-actualization is not the destination; it is a continuous process of personal growth and self-discovery.

Here’s the tricky part: the path to true satisfaction is seldom straightforward. It is often fraught with challenges, setbacks, and many moments of doubt. But, it is in those moments of adversity that our true nature is revealed, and our commitment to our desires is tested. It is easy to become discouraged and disillusioned when we face obstacle after obstacle, but true satisfaction requires resilience, perseverance, and faith—an unwavering belief in ourselves.

This is not a solitary pursuit. It is deeply intertwined with our relationships and connections to others. We are social creatures by nature, and our sense of fulfillment and satisfaction is intricately linked to our interactions with those around us. It may be the support of loved ones, the camaraderie of our friends, or the mentorship of our partners/colleagues. Our relationships play a vital role in shaping our journey toward satisfaction.

True satisfaction transcends material trappings. It cannot be bought with wealth or acquired through external validation. We are not going to find it on Amazon or Temu. It will be found in the simple joys of everyday life—a shared laugh with a friend, quiet moments of reflection on the couch, or a sense of accomplishment after overcoming a seemingly impossible challenge. It is about finding meaning and purpose in what may be considered the most mundane of circumstances. It is about appreciating the beauty and perfection in the present moment.

Life is busy. The world often seems crazy. It is very easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Despite the noise and the frantic pace that may surround us, true satisfaction is beckoning us, like a guided light in the darkness, reminding us of our inherent worth and potential. It is attempting to awaken us to the fact that our lives are a journey of self-discovery and self-actualization. It is a quest to uncover the depths of our soul’s dreams and desires.

Success or sabotage? True success is not found in the achievement; it is in the pursuit.

Is this going to be an incredible day? If we align our actions with our deepest desires, we will find meaning, purpose, and satisfaction in the course of the day.