The Things We Truly Love Are Often Hard to Explain

Lately, looking at social media and TV, I sometimes feel like people might be getting a bit tired of the constant competition for numbers and followers.

Over the past decade, it seems like media platforms may have grown significantly by gently tapping into people's insecurities, jealousy, and the desire for validation.

The philosopher René Girard once said, "Man is a creature who desires what others desire, rather than what he actually wants." Digital media might have amplified this human trait on a global scale.

But when you constantly compare yourself to others, you can lose sight of what you truly want, which might feel a bit exhausting at times.

Because of this, I feel it might be becoming more important than ever to stop focusing on winning against others, and instead gently ask yourself, "What kind of comfort am I truly looking for?"

Psychological research apparently shows that people who recognize their "intrinsic motivation" (joy coming from within) tend to be happier than those driven by "extrinsic motivation" (seeking approval from others).

That said, in a world flooded with information, it can be genuinely hard to look at your true feelings with an honest heart.

As a small step, I might recommend recalling just one single moment when your heart felt completely satisfied in secret.

You didn't brag about it to anyone, but you somehow lost track of time while doing it.

You didn't tell a soul, but in that specific space, you felt you could just be your true self.

In reality, I feel that the things we "truly love" are often slightly outside of social norms or maybe a bit difficult to share with others.

Like a strange, niche hobby, or a slightly unique preference or fetish lol.

So, when looking for what really matters to you, it might be helpful to temporarily set aside what is considered "normal" or "how others see you."

Honestly, I think that if anyone heard our deepest, truest desires, they might be a bit surprised. And that is probably why I really like those raw, honest human feelings.