Lisa had always wanted that shirt. She dreamed about it and saw it everywhere. She pictured her life with it.

It was easy for her to imagine herself lying on the grass in Menlo Park, just looking at the stars, wearing that shirt. She could close her eyes and feel the fabric touching her skin. She could feel how her confidence would rise and attract the attention of her peers.

And then she got it, the big day finally arrived. The delivery guy rang the bell, as usual, left some packages for the neighbors, and she held the box in her hands for the first time.

Very delicate packaging, I must say, top-notch. If Apple made T-shirts, that’s how they would look.

Days went by, and she started to wear the shirt more and more, until one day the thrill faded. It was a beloved and beautiful piece of clothing, indeed, but just one more addition to the closet.

Have you ever felt like Lisa? Have you ever wandered through the realm of your imagination, picturing different scenarios: the new career, the new city, the new love? All the greener grasses out there.

All the things you’ve acquired that now sit in your house, gathering dust—or maybe they still bring some joy.

It wasn’t the shirt she wanted; it was the feeling she thought it would buy.

What lies beyond that momentary bliss? What is at the core of what we need that is currently overlooked by the fast pace of your doomscrolling?

What are the core, neglected needs you’re not talking about?

What are the elemental desires your soul is craving?

How can we achieve a more fulfilling day-to-day life despite what went wrong or the limiting circumstances holding us back?

How can we raise those happiness levels from a 5–6 to a 9 (let’s be realistic)? I understand that life has seasons and sometimes we’re down, but how can we uncover the joy in living when it seems lost?

First, take some time to reflect on your basic needs and how well you covered them over the past week. Did you get good rest? Did you eat nourishing meals?

How are we doing in the movement department—did you manage to work out or at least shake out those limbs?

Our current society and systems feel designed to keep us apart. It’s hard to connect and form bonds with our busy schedules and priorities. Take agency and pick up the phone. Schedule something with your friends. They will appreciate it. You will appreciate it. Host that dinner. Return that message. Book that workout and share it.

At the end of the day, “happiness is only real when shared,” said a guy who learned it the hard way.

Be kind. Be human. In this convoluted day and age, connect. Be warm. Stay humble.

There are far more important needs beyond what you placed on your Amazon wishlist or shopping cart. Be mindful about them... See beyond what the algorithm wants you to see.

What we really need is not a new BTC all-time high. What we really need is closeness—to know that you see me as I see you. What we really need is support and humanity.

Be that person and take the bid. Take the first step; offer the first smile.

Hugo.