In Pursuit of Happiness

Happiness… what is happiness? An intense emotion of joy or contentment, based on an individual’s understanding or perception of what may bring him or her to that respective state. Like a fingerprint some may come slightly close but never the same, perhaps the same is said about happiness for where one person may find pleasure or joy another person only sees pain and misery. Therefore happiness is a personal journey that you can only achieve on your own accord. Achieving happiness now that’s a different thing altogether, we do not always get what we want nor do we always want what we get and as the great Greek philosopher, Socrates once said, “he who is not content with what he has would not be content with what he would like to have.”

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Finding contentment with what you have is the first step towards happiness, knowing that whatever you have is enough. The grass will always be greener on the other side but what most people do not realize is that the person on the other side is probably thinking the same thing. Your effort is rightly reflected in your rewards, at times it may not seem as much but with time it will seem more than enough. Contentment should be the foundation on which you should build your happiness upon, it is not only stable but enduring. Contentment, in an overall sense, is being thankful for all you have and for all the past events that have led you to where you are.

The pursuit of happiness sometimes requires yours set up four walls to protect you from suffering and any event that can take you off your journey. These include;

Pleasant Environment; happiness is infectious when you surrounding yourself with happy people you are bound to be a happier person. In pursuit of happiness it is important not to spend your day
listening to other people’s problem, if you do this will give you your own problems to talk about.

Simple Pleasures; when you are enjoying life’s simple pleasures, like a cool breeze or a chocolate chip cookie, can bring a sense of joy into your life. Treat yourself to things you enjoy doing and enjoying what you do at the same time. So for example if you are going to be a receptionist be the best receptionist you could be, in other word enjoy your work, your family and your friends every day.

Joy and Laughter; radiating in warmth and laughter every chance you can get. Try to find humor in everything, even past mistakes. Watch funny movie and laugh until your cheeks hurt and you are out of breath or just smile. Laughter is a great cure for depression and Laughter yoga is proven to work.

Meditation and Prayer; In pursuit of happiness it is important to focusing on what you are thankful for and letting go of all your stress and problem will help you identify and appreciate more things in your life. Taking at least 20 minutes out of you day to sit in silence and say thank you to God or the universe, this would also be a great time to reflect on what you have achieved and what you would like to achieve in the future. In addition you can also take time to set your goals and also focus on achieving them. Say a Prayer.

With a foundation and four walls set there is only one thing left to shelter you from the storm and that is you and your beliefs. If you believe your deserve happiness then you will be free to pursue happiness. To be in pursuit of happiness is a personal journey you make. This does not mean you cannot enjoy the company of your friends and family on your journey and that you should not also consider their happiness in return.