Happiness depends upon ourselves.
– Aristotle
Is happiness elusive? Is it just impossible to be happy? Happiness is something we all search for; Aristotle said it years ago and we still strive for happiness. Maybe what keeps us from being happy is the concept of happiness, trying to find a general idea that will apply to each one of us.
I do not think it is that way.
Each of us has our concept of happiness and what brings joy to our lives. I am aware we experience losses, we face transitions, and we may think that it is just impossible to be happy. However, pay attention to small doses of joy in simple things if you are going through tough times.
We can find joy in those short moments instead of just focusing on the terrible things happening to us and happening to the world. I will say that is one of the significant factors contributing to our unhappiness. Instead of paying attention to those we still have, we tend to focus and complain about things that we do not have. We may get disillusioned by what we couldn’t get or compare ourselves to others. So, we can always find a source of unhappiness or disappointment.
One of the most significant sources of happiness is our ability to adapt to change. It may require effort and resilience; still, it can make a difference in the quality of our lives. On the other hand, if we pay attention, we may realize that everything changes, including ourselves, and our desire to cling to old ways brings resistance and unhappiness.
Remember, happiness may not be as elusive as you think. As you learn to develop acceptance and resilience, you may discover this the possibility of having inner happiness increases. Focus every day on something that makes you happy. Whether it’s one minute, 5 minutes, or 30 minutes, concentrate on that thought when you are going through tough times. What makes you happy will bring a smile to your face.
It may not change the event happening to you, but it will change how you feel.
