The Danger Of Destination Addiction
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Danger Of Destination Addiction

Everything in this world will eventually fail our quest to find happiness.

425
The Danger Of Destination Addiction
Firecracker

Last May, I published a letter to my fellow wanderlusts about what it is like to have, “a strong desire or urge to wander or travel and explore the world.”

Being a wanderlust has its pros and its cons. I included a link to that letter in the previous sentence, so if you feel compelled to, I encourage you to read it before you read this one.

Now, three months later, I have explored more about this topic and gained more insight. Therefore, I will consider this article a Part II to my previous one.

I realize now there is a dangerous component to the life of a wanderlust: destination addiction.

Beware of Destination Addiction—a preoccupation with the idea that happiness is in the next place, the next job, and with the next partner. Until you give up the idea that happiness is someplace else, it will never be where you are.

Robert Holden couldn't have said it better.

Destination addiction is an unhealthy obsession with what lies ahead. It stems from discontentment with the current situation that God has placed us in. It is not always a new location that we are obsessed with getting to. Sometimes it is new friendships, a new boyfriend/girlfriend, a new job, or a new home. We are desperate for change, because we believe that we will finally be happy once we reach the next destination. This comes from our flawed human nature, which desires things of this world to fill the space that God should occupy.

Happiness depends more on inward disposition than on outward circumstances. – Benjamin Franklin

A constant search to fill happiness with trivial things is a waste of time because it is always within our reach. A search for real, non-trivial happiness will eventually lead us to God because He is the only true source of ultimate, unfading happiness.

Philippians 4:11–13 reads, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Those verses are part of a letter to the Philippians from the apostle Paul, who experienced all different phases of life, and learned to be content no matter what his circumstances were. Paul was able to come to the realization that Christ is the ultimate source of contentment, and in the referenced passage above, he is urging the Philippians to realize this good news as he did.

Just as he did, I urge wanderlusts and non-wanderlusts alike to realize the same good news about contentment. God provides a peace that sustains and brings happiness, despite your outside surroundings. When you have this peace, you will realize true contentment. A flourishing and happy life doesn't stem from new experiences, new sights, or new opportunities; flourishing life stems from the ability to have constant peace in Christ, no matter where He does or He doesn't send you.

There is nothing wrong with feeling a greater pull to other places than other people might feel. It is okay to desire adventure. If you feel the natural tendency to wander like I do, then by all means, wander. Just remember above all that happiness can't be found through newness or adventure. True and pure happiness is constant, and it is always with you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

86860
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

52843
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments