It was a very long journey of reading many books, talking to many wise people and reflecting about what I have learned. Finally, I could see the big picture of life and I realized that to be happy, there is no need to overcomplicate things and it is quite simple:
To do Whatever I want, Whenever I want to.
Self-Determination is the key
Many people wonder, why I spent hours running a marathon, which indeed can be very exhausting. However, since I deliberately choosen to do this, my body releases endorphins while suffering, which then create the famous runners high, a feeling of euphoria. And soon after you completed this very challenging run, your body triggers the creation of a dopamine rush. I personally can fell the happiness, created by the dopamine in my body even days after I finished a major running event. Which, in a positive sense, might be the reason, why running so addictive to me.
Another example is work, which can be very challenging sometimes and hence unavoidably is related to stress. Yet, whether you are financially independent and work “for fun”, makes the difference whether you have positiv eustress or negative distress.
Your spouse, your friends, your job and anything else should be Your Choice.
In summary, to be happy you need to get into the position that you are in control of your own life. For that position you need Fuck You Skills & Fuck You Money.