HAPPINESS

The Pursuit of Happiness: Stripping Away Titles and Expectations

In a world that constantly pushes us toward labels, achievements, and idealistic versions of success, I find myself coming back to one simple truth. Happiness is what I am after. Not titles, not carefully curated situations, not the illusion of what life is “supposed” to look like. Just happiness. Pure, simple, and real.

It’s easy to get caught up in the chase for something that looks good on paper. A prestigious job title, an enviable relationship, the kind of success that makes people nod with approval. But in my experience, none of that guarantees actual happiness. I’ve had the titles. I’ve built businesses. I’ve chased things that seemed meaningful at the time, only to realize they were just another layer of expectation weighing me down.

At the core of everything I do, whether it’s massage therapy, event support, creating a meal or just how I show up in the world, I only want one thing: to provide happiness and be provided that as well. If I can create an environment where people feel good, where they feel taken care of, where they can breathe a little easier, then I’ve done something worthwhile. And if I can experience that same sense of fulfillment in return, even better.

The Illusion of Titles

Titles can be useful. They give people an idea of what we do. But they can also be traps. They create expectations, assumptions, and sometimes a rigid identity that doesn’t allow for growth or change. The moment you start defining yourself too much by a title, you risk becoming more attached to the label than the experience itself.

I’ve been called a business owner, an entrepreneur, a soigneur, a massage therapist, a coach. But those are just words. They don’t define me. What defines me is how I make people feel. What defines me is the “energy I bring into a space” and the impact I leave behind.

Creating Happiness, Not Chasing Status

I’ve met people who have all the external markers of success, money, influence, recognition, but yet they’re miserable. And I’ve met people with none of those things who are genuinely happy because they’ve figured out the secret: happiness isn’t about what something is called, it’s about how it feels.

Think about it, if you could have a life that brings you joy, peace, and a sense of purpose, does it matter if it comes with a fancy title or a socially approved narrative? If you’re surrounded by the right people, doing what fulfills you, feeling supported and valued, would it matter what anyone else calls it?

For me, the answer is no. The name of the thing doesn’t matter. The feeling does.

How This Plays into SAGmonkey®

SAGmonkey was never about following a strict blueprint. It has always been about “creating an experience that brings value” whether that’s through massage, endurance sports support, or just being someone people can count on. The services have evolved, but the core mission hasn’t. It’s about offering something that makes people’s lives better, even if it doesn’t fit into a traditional business model.

That’s why I’m always open to change. If there’s a better way to do things, I’ll try it. If there’s a new approach that works, I’ll adapt. What I won’t do is chase an ideal that looks good but feels empty. That applies to business, personal relationships, and life in general.

Getting “All Set”

At the end of the day, if you can create a situation where you are both “giving and receiving happiness”, regardless of what it’s called, you’re all set. That’s the goal. Not recognition, not living up to an expectation, not external validation, not some arbitrary milestone that someone else decided is important.

Happiness is the metric. If it’s there, I’m doing something right. If it’s missing, I need to reassess. It’s that simple.

So that’s what I’m after, and that’s what I want to share with others. No titles, no illusions, no bullshit. Just real, lasting, authentic happiness. The kind that doesn’t come from chasing status, possessions, or fleeting highs but from deep connection, self-awareness, and inner peace. The kind that withstands life’s chaos and remains steady through the ups and downs. Because, happiness isn’t about what we achieve or acquire, it’s about how we show up, how we love, and how we live in alignment with who we truly are.