“It isn't what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.” - Dale Carnegie
"The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." - Allan K. Chalmers
Many people spend a lifetime searching for happiness. The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within. You can only bring happiness to yourself. Nothing else will.
Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. Happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. It is not the absence of problems but the ability to deal with them.
Happiness comes whenever our work and words are beneficial to ourselves and others. May we always bring forth happiness to others wherever we go.
Do you have the secret to Happiness?
You're absolutely right. It's unfortunate that so many people expend time and energy purchasing the "tangible", u know? In the world that which we live, yes, there are items of necessity. Of course. However, they become that "albatross" when they are"what is lived for" vs. "what is needed to simply live". Not to say that I don't items that are not required or truly necessary for my existence, because I'm sure at any given time I can gather multiple items in my home for donation to the nearest charity ;) -- but I can say that I've never place a significant importance on material items. I wouldn't say that I'm any more enlightened or "aware" then the next person, but I've found that there is a sense of peace that comes with not needing and having a focus on exterior items. The secret to Happiness? Seneca, you've already stated it very clearly. There is no secret. We (all) have it with in us. The question is: are we willing to take that journey within ourselves to find, acknowledge, and accept it?
ReplyDeleteTherein lies the query! Life its self is a very simple process, but as typical as it is of humans, we complicate it - go figure.
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on, D, happiness does come primarily from within. People who are happy are typically distinguishable as they possess a different attitude - a different way of thinking about things and doing things. They interpret the world in a different way, and go about their lives in a much different way. I believe that people who are truly happy have a balance and optimism in all they do, what they say, the relationships in which they engage and the purpose that guides their life.
ReplyDeleteHappiness requires seeing beyond materialistic possessions to need -- need of self and need of others. It requires the ability to flex and give of oneself when the needs of others is beyond that of ourselves, and not be resentful.
Happiness mandates a 'glass half full' perspective on life -- realizing life won't always be free of challenges and hurdles, but managing to work through without placing blame. It doesn't mean we'll be free of pain, and may not escape sadness, but the balance in how we perceive our lives helps us to work through challenging situations. It requires seeing the good as we reflect on the past and viewing the future with flexible optimism. Critical is the ability to be grateful for what we have in our lives and to be forgiving of self, others and circumstance. A sense of accomplishment and purpose also serves to guide the attitude found in those who possess happiness. It requires a balance of what we do/say, what we give, what we think, and what / how we love.