To me, experiences are incredibly special. It can be a simple trip to the grocery store to pick up dinner, a walk on the beach, running in preparation for an upcoming race, or even just sharing stories with a friend over ice cream.
They’re just so immersive. Sensory. Intense. Meaningful.
Some are stronger or more memorable than others, but each experience gives me the feeling that I’m a part of something special. It might sound weird, and it’s hard to explain, but that’s what it feels like.
I get so much pleasure from just being outside on a sunny day. On days like those, I have a big smile on my face regardless of what I’m doing.
Now when I say “experiences”, I’m talking about ones that involve doing something. For example, hiking, giving a speech, running, traveling, going on a walk, coordinating how you’ll design your living room, etc.
The “experiences” I’m not talking about are watching television or surfing the Web on a computer. Or being in front of any type of screen for that matter — movie, smart phone, iPad, etc.
While many do these activities (including myself) and get value out of them, they’re just not what give me the most pleasure in life.
Figuring out what’s important in one’s life can be hard. Is it getting straight A’s in school? Hitting 5 home runs during the season? Getting that 6 figure promotion? Running a sub-twenty minute 5k?
While these may all be genuine goals, I think the most important thing in life is to be happy.
It’s not the measurables that matter. It’s all about the experiences themselves.
And for me, new experiences bring me happiness. New experiences are beautiful.