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Christopher McCandless, most commonly known from the book Into the Wild, says it best: “Happiness only real when shared”.
Originally when I thought of writing about this quote, I had the selfless idea that this quote means to help others during your worst times. Meaning that happiness comes from being a cornerstone in someone else’s life and that making someone else happy can make you happy. While I still believe this to be true, this quote holds such a more simple meaning that is prevalently shown during a time of quarantine.
Happiness is only real when shared with those around you.
As humans, we are very social creatures. Being told to quarantine and initiate social distancing has altered the social schedules of many. This change has impacted the majority of the population, including me.
While I’m an introverted person, I also love to have a schedule that contains a healthy balance of work and social time. Being a part of an essential industry (agriculture) my work schedule hasn’t changed much. However, my social schedule has suffered greatly. With this change, I cannot stress enough how much I have been emotionally impacted.
Socialization provides a source of happiness and joy and a feeling of belonging and love.
While technology can provide a way to socialize, it doesn’t include the nonverbal cues we would receive in person. Watching a person’s eyes light up, hearing their tone of voice and the way the general vibe changes the conversation are just a few cues to describe. In-person connections change the effectiveness of communication by providing a more “real” feeling to emotions, such as the feeling of happiness.
Socializing in person fulfills a different type of happiness.
While I can’t describe or put words to that feeling, there lie voids in many hearts right now.
To the students who are unable to see their instructors, I’m sorry.
To the seniors, high school and college, who will not be sharing graduations with friends, I’m sorry.
To the families who can’t attend church or celebrate special occasions with others, I’m sorry.
To the individuals who play sports or work out with a friend, I’m sorry.
To those who are unable to visit their family, I’m sorry.
To those who had to postpone or cancel a trip with friends and/or family, I’m sorry.
To those committed to virtual meetings and lessons nearly every day that fails to fulfill their in-person communication needs, I’m sorry.
I can empathize with all of these individuals and groups. A void of happiness exists, reminding us of how grateful we should be when we are able to connect with others in-person. That void of happiness ultimately reminds us that happiness is only real when shared.
For now, we will take advantage of what resources we have available.
I would like to dedicate this blog to my best friend. Girl, I miss being able to see you every day.
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