"Uno debe desarrollar las habilidades que le permitirán encontrar disfrute y propósito independientemente de las circunstancias externas"

Finding happiness and meaning in life independent of what's happening around you is a skill worth mastering. When we rely too much on external factors—like a job, relationship, or status—it’s easy to feel unsteady or lost when those things change, which they inevitably will. Instead, if we cultivate inner resilience and a sense of purpose from within, we can weather life's ups and downs with more grace and stability.

Imagine you're living in the 1940s, and World War II has just ended. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, wrote about his experiences in Nazi concentration camps in his book, "Man's Search for Meaning." Amidst unimaginable suffering, Frankl observed that those who could find meaning and purpose in their lives were more likely to survive. It's not that they avoided suffering, but they developed an inner compass that helped them endure.

Now, let's bring it to a more relatable example. Think of Jane, who recently lost her job due to company downsizing. Initially, she felt devastated. Her job was her identity, her routine. But after the first shock, Jane started focusing on what she enjoyed and what made her feel purposeful. She always loved painting but never had time for it. Jane picked up her brushes and started creating art. It wasn’t just about the painting itself but the sense of achievement and calm it gave her. She eventually started teaching art classes at her community center, finding joy and purpose in a completely new way. Jane didn’t let her external circumstances dictate her happiness.

So, how can we apply this in our own lives? First, it's essential to identify what genuinely brings us joy and gives us a sense of purpose. Is it writing, helping others, learning new things? Take some time to reflect and make a list. You can then start incorporating these activities into your daily life. It doesn’t have to be a huge change; even small steps can make a difference. Maybe you love gardening—start with a few potted plants on your balcony. Enjoy reading? Join a book club. These activities can offer a sense of fulfillment irrespective of other aspects of your life.

Here's another way to think about it. Picture yourself as a sailor. The sea represents life's external circumstances—sometimes calm, sometimes stormy, and unpredictable. Your skills and inner strengths are your boat and navigation tools. By honing these skills, you can navigate through the stormy weather and enjoy the journey, no matter what the sea throws at you.

Imagine weeks where everything seems to go wrong. Your car breaks down, projects at work are piling up, and personal relationships feel strained. It’s tempting to get overwhelmed. But what if you had a hobby or passion to turn to—a stable rock amidst chaos? Maybe you’ve developed cooking skills and find peace in creating meals, or perhaps you’ve cultivated a meditation practice that helps you stay grounded. These inner tools are incredibly valuable. They’re like anchors that keep you steady even when the external world is turbulent.

In sum, it’s all about developing those inner resources—skills, passions, and mindsets—that help you find enjoyment and purpose no matter what's happening around you. So, next time life throws a curveball, think of Viktor Frankl, think of Jane, and remember that you have the power to control your inner world, even when the outer world is beyond your control.