People define happiness in different terms to describe what feels good for them. It may be excitement, fulfillment, passion, exhilaration, love or freedom. For others, it may be feeling of contentment, hope, or being comfortable.
It can be happiness for our own selves, or happiness that is shared with family members, friends, or even with strangers.
Nonetheless, happiness is a state of mind. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” So, what does it mean?
For me, it is the contentment of what we have, where you live, alone or with someone else, who is a partner in life or maybe a family member or a friend. We have the capability of deciding and making it a reality to live a happy life.
Just like what Mr. Lincoln implied, if we make up our minds to be happy then we are in a state of happiness.
Being content in the present, for merely being alive, inspired by the goodness around and counting all the blessings in life is happiness.
But however we define happiness or however we look at it, it feels darn good!
Let me quote another famous line, this time by Aristotle. He once said, “Happiness depends upon ourselves”. Therefore, happiness does not depend upon other people or having someone with you in your life or having all the material possessions e.g. expensive clothes, jewelry items, high tech gadgets, cars, etc.
We have to decide what gives us the feeling of happiness.
There are a few tricks that work for me to find my own unique happy place even in the midst of chaos and noise.
First, is to find a quiet spot, any spot at all where you can be by yourself. Some may argue, what if there’s no quiet spot around? I would suggest any area where you can close a door behind you or pull the curtain or even an imaginary curtain. Noisy around you? The most important thing to do now is to take a deep breath, close your eyes and drown out the noise by thinking of nothing but the goodness and all the blessings throughout your life.
Try to fill your mind of things that make you happy; like butterflies, wild flowers, running barefoot towards the beach, watching the sunset, listening to favorite radio show or whatever or whoever it is that makes you smile.
Thinking this way is very essential in removing all the uncomfortable or painful emotions we have in the past or present. Furthermore, forget mistakes done in the past, forgive people who wronged you and forgive yourself as well. Let bygones be bygone. Only then, that we can reach the state of happiness.
I decide! ... to be in a state of happiness, whatever comes my way. I may cry if sadness dawns on me or if I am hurt. But, I will bravely get up, wipe the tears off my face and fill my mind with all the beautiful things that make me happy.
So, I would dare say this, put on a big smile on your face every time you wake up in the morning no matter what or who greets you when you get up off the bed.
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“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” - Abraham Lincoln
