The Grasshopper vs. the Ant

Happiness is a double sided coin. We flip that coin on a daily basis by choosing temporary happiness versus long term happiness. Do we want the cheesecake now or do we want to feel skinny tomorrow? Do we want to watch “Jersey Shore” now or get an A on that chemistry test? We’re faced with options every day; so which choice lets you have your cake and eat it too?

It’s a tough call. I think we need a balance of both the short term splurges along with the dedicated choices that take active commitment to be happy. If we never give ourselves a break, we would resent all the hard work that we put in to our careers, studies, and personal lives. We need a reward. Maybe that’s a round of golf, some mindless TV show, or if you’re like me and millions of other women on this planet, anything that has plenty of sugar in it.

Conversely, if we always give in to our momentary desires, the substantial happiness that can only be garnered through hard work never arrives. Working toward a long term goal offers a great deal of happiness as we watch ourselves improve. To put it in Pixar terms, are you an ant or a grasshopper? Do you store up for the “winter” or do you wait until the last minute and take your chances? What leads to your greater happiness?

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook