‘To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition.’ ~Samuel Johnson
We wake exhausted.
We push through the day.
We ignore the people we love most.
We push aside self-care.
We hurry through dinner to get back to what ‘needs to be done’.
And for what?
To be happy at home.
When I first came across this quote, it shook me.
Maybe you had that reaction too.
Lately I’ve been feeling time differently. Not in a scary way—more in a clarifying way. Like my life is quietly asking me to choose what matters most while I still have the chance to enjoy it.
If the ultimate goal is to be happy at home, why are we spending our best energy somewhere else?
Yes, we do have a responsibility to contribute — to use our gifts and talents in a way that serves the whole.
And hopefully, we are paid well for it.
But where does that start and end?
The boundary question we avoid—but need to answer
Where are the boundaries?
Are we required to work all the time —
at the expense of our well-being,
and at the expense of time with people we love?
No, certainly not.
Especially if the goal is to be happy at home.
What actually brings you joy?
And if I’m being honest, I think this requires some deep introspection. Dare I say…from a spiritual lens.
Because to live a life in joy and contentment, we first have to know what actually brings us joy.
Have you ever asked yourself that question?
What is it that makes me happy and content?
What brings me peace?
Take a moment to think about it and really pare it down.
A sunrise or sunset.
Waking to the sound of raindrops.
The smell of coffee.
Locking eyes with the one you love.
A hug from your child.
Petting your dog or cat.
Reading a really good book.
Sitting in front of the fire.
Sharing dinner conversation with your people.
Seeing a warm smile on the face of a friend.
Most joy is simple—it just asks for your attention
Most of these don’t cost a thing. They simply ask for your attention.
But so often… we’re too busy focusing on what we think is important.
But isn’t this what makes us happy?
Isn’t this what should be important?
Try this today: 3 things that make you feel “happy at home”
Try this today (2 minutes):
- Write down 3 things that make you feel “happy at home.”
- Circle one that you can experience this week if you slow down.
- Choose one boundary that protects it (even a small one): no phone at dinner, a 20-minute walk, shutting the laptop at a set time.
Our happiness — our contentment — is dependent on knowing what brings us joy …and then honoring it.
Because honoring our boundaries is honoring ourselves.
I am truly grateful for the work I get to do each day. Beyond by Emerge Positive™ fills my soul and brings me so much joy. But boundaries must be set and honored so that I can spend focused time with my family and my own personal time too. And let’s not forget time with friends, hobbies, and fun!
Midlife perspective: time isn’t unlimited
To be happy at home requires us to be choosy.
Because time isn’t unlimited.
We get to choose how we spend it each day.
At work. At home. On ourselves. Doing something fun.
It’s your choice.
If you’re in midlife, like me, you are probably starting to realize that time is moving fast. You’re also probably realizing that the last 10, 20, and even 30 years went by quickly.
So now is the time to be present.
To put your full focus on what you are doing….right here and now.
How are you spending your time today?
Tomorrow?
Next week?
And what can you do to make the small shifts to bring more joy into your day?
To be happy at home is the ultimate goal of all ambition.
You know what matters.
Just take some time to really contemplate it….and then chose it, every day.
You deserve to be living your best life.
Your first step is to decide that you’re going to.
You Can Emerge Positive!
Positively,
Deanne
