Thoughts on Happiness

 

 

 

People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be

Abraham Lincoln

 

 

 

It seems fair to say that any person reading this book, and virtually everyone for that matter, wants to be happy. It is a common and basic human desire. The things that make each of us happy may be different, but a;most all of us seek happiness.

 

There are people who seem to be happy and upbeat almost all the time. You probably know such happy people. Often such people seem to radiate a sense of happiness through a great smile, a jovial attitude, or a kind nature. It is actually a pleasure to see or to think about someone who seems happy. It can be someone you around around every day or someone you don't even know such as people in television, sports, business or wherever. Perhaps you are such a positive and happy person, and would like to encourage someone you care about to develop a similar outlook. Look for opportunities to provide happiness.

 

There are people who seem to be mostly unhappy and negative. You probably know someone like that also, and would like to help them. Most of us are somewhere in between, often depending on what is going on in our life, but most of the time, we would rather feel happy.

There are many factors that can affect happiness, and you are the best judge of them. Some of these may be:

 

self-perception and self-esteem

attitude

health

situation at home, work, school, wherever you are

values, goals and ability to achieve them

how you interact with others

friends

sense of humor

love

 

In the following chapters these factors are addressed further.

 

Many people find happiness in helping or doing things for others, whether it is family, close friends or whomever we associate with. The great thing about this form of satisfaction is that it makes both you and them happy. My wife, Cindy, is a great example of a person who obtains happiness from giving. She loves to do things for others and wants nothing in return other than seeing a smile on their face. That is a lovely quality which I try to emulate, but her sncereity is hard to match.Doing for others seems to be a common source of happiness for almost all people. There are even individuals who spend their entire working lives in very difficult conditions, simply for the satisfaction of helping other people. This is an outstanding quality and deserves recognition and appreciation.

 

Some people equate happiness with material wealth. There are people who live in extreme luxury, having virtually every material desire. Often material wealth seems to be thought of as a key to happiness. Most of us have a tendency to envy people with such success and often think that wealth would make us happy. It is noteworthy that many individuals with material wealth have achieved this through hard work and perseverance, which are qualities worth emulating in whatever you do. However, wealth is definitely not a guarantee of happiness. There are many examples of wealth not buying happiness. You may knowsome of them. Its not so much about material wealth, but rather about a wealth of good attitude and appreciation.

 

Almost all of us obtain happiness from personal accomplishments. We also feel happiness and satisfaction from the accomplishments of family or friends whom we have encouraged to achieve. It really provides a great feeling to encourage someone to do something and then to seee them avhieve their goal. The particular achievement may be common or unique, but it can bring satisfaction and happiness.

 

Most of us find happiness by a combination of these types of things. We strive for happiness by being with and doing things for others, working for accomplishment, helping others to achieve, and enjoying the many pleasures of life.

 

In a recent documentary about people who live in the mountainsof Tibet, the narrator, who had visited there, made the provoking comment. These people have almost no worly possessions, yet thaey are very happy people. That's worth thinking about.

 

Have you ever heard someone say, "that was the happiest day of my life"? When you hear that, you may ask yourself what wasyour happiest day, or what are your happiest memories. It is worth considering because it makes you ponder what things really makes you happy. There is every opportunity for many happy days in your life.

 

Webster's dictionary defines happiness as:

 

Good fortune, good luck; a state of well-being characterized by relative permanence, by dominantly agreeable emotion ranging in value from mere contentment to deep and intense joy in living.

 

These words can be interpreted in different ways. Many people associate good fortune and good luck with material things. However, there are many other things that fortune and luck can relate to. Good health is a great example! Of all the words in the Webster's definition, the ones that capture the essence of happiness seem to be:

 

joy in living

 

Allen Chalmers also had a great synopsis of happiness:

 

The great essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for

 

So, you may be thinking about what you can do to increase your happiness. You are the only person who can answer that question, but perhaps some thoughts can help.

 

Think about the things which make you happy.

 

Ask yourself why or what about these things make you happy.

 

Look for other things in your life that have similar qualities.

 

Observe what seems to make others happy.

 

Talk to others about their sources of happiness.

 

Look for ways to change things that would improve your happiness.

 

 

You might consider the following actions which seem to give happiness and pleasure to many:

 

Be more friendly to those around you.

 

Look for the good in people.

 

Give compliments.

 

Praise achievements of others.

 

Give encouragement.

 

Do things for others.

 

Be cooperative.

 

These are all things you can do, which will almost guarantee improvement in your happiness. Give them a try.