Abigail Spenser Hu discusses how her hit debut single “Inward” was inspired by the first chapter of her book, “Authenticity,” and she is now working on writing her second single based on another chapter of the book that is based on her true life stories. She exclusively told us that she is working on a happy song for the new release. What does happiness means to this singer-song writer?
Many of us, especially millennials, are constantly searching for the “magic” job, home, or person that will bring us happiness. This quest for happiness is often seen as the ultimate goal, and it is something that parents desire for their children and that we desire for each other. In industrialized, educated societies, happiness is often seen as the ultimate prize. Our education, aspirations, and the communities we build are often oriented towards achieving this general sense of happiness, which is often described as joy, fulfillment, contentment, and security. Feeling happy is often seen as a sign of adequacy, connection, and overall well-being. She quotes in her book, “Four years ago, my life was a in a good place. I thought I had found that magic job, magic home and magic person to make me happy; but I was not happy even though I thought I had everything needed to be happy. What was wrong? There was literally nothing for me to chase after anymore, so now what?
What am I supposed to do to be happy? Somehow, I felt more lost than ever. I’d followed the plan to get everything I wanted, but the nagging feeling of dissatisfaction remained. Thus began the period of two years of seeking therapy and study—a hiatus I know I was lucky to take, and which led me to writing this book.”
While happiness is a desirable and enjoyable emotion, it is also temporary. This means that even when we are feeling happy, it is not a state that we can sustain indefinitely. This is not to say that we should not strive for happiness or that it is not important. However, it is important to recognize that happiness is just one aspect of life, and there are many other factors that contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful life. It is therefore important to consider the value and purpose of our lives from a broader perspective than just happiness. This might include considering factors such as personal growth, contribution to the world, relationships with others, and the achievement of personal goals and values. By considering these broader aspects of life, we can create a more holistic sense of purpose and meaning and find fulfillment in a variety of ways, rather than solely relying on happiness as a measure of success.
After discuss with Abigail we also learned on the other hand, where we need to focus our attention and energy. For example, if we are feeling consistently unhappy or frustrated in a particular environment or relationship, it might be a sign that it is not a good fit for us and that we need to make a change. By paying attention to these negative emotions and considering the various factors in our lives, we can make more informed decisions about what is best for us and work towards a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
All emotions are valuable and can provide valuable insights and opportunities for connection with others. It is important to fully experience and acknowledge whatever emotions we are feeling in the moment, rather than trying to suppress or prolong them. This requires recognizing the relationship between our internal needs and expectations and the external demands and variables of the world around us. Living and interacting with the world is a constant process of exchanging energy and attention, which can sometimes be easy and other times be more challenging. By fully experiencing and acknowledging our emotions, we can better understand ourselves and our place in the world, and make more informed decisions about how to navigate our lives.
It sounds like Abigail enjoys writing based on her emotions and uses this as a way to understand and connect with the world around her. She may also use her music as a way to share these emotions and perspectives with others. Writing and creating music based on emotions can be a powerful way to communicate and connect with others, and can allow for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world and the human experience.
