Merriam Webster defines happiness as:
happiness noun (hap·-pi·-ness | \ ˈha-pē-nəs \)
1a: a state of well-being and contentment : JOY
b: a pleasurable or satisfying experience
There seems to be a common misconception that happiness is something that we either have or don’t have.
The truth is that happiness is a skill: It’s a particular way of thinking, behaving, and reacting to the events in your life. You can learn to become happy, just like you can learn any other skill or subject.
1a: a state of well-being and contentment : JOY
Happiness is a choice you make about your situation.
You have a choice each and every day to look at the things you missed and be miserable or you can look at what you’ve accomplished and be happy.
You can look at setbacks as the end all and you’ll never ever succeed again in life or you can look at them as learning moments, a chance to step back get better footing on that mountain so you don’t slip on a rock and fall completely off.
b: a pleasurable or satisfying experience
We find happiness in the simplest of places. When someone smiles at us, a fun ride at a carnival, a fun surprise from people who love us. It sparks the feelings of safety, belonging, and support.
But even then, it is a choice we make to accept the good. We easily could choose to look at the negative…that person who smiled “just wants something from me”, that ride at the carnival “was too crowded and busy”, that fun surprise “wasn’t exactly what I wanted…don’t they know me?” and the experience is no longer pleasurable.
The P.A.T.H. to Happiness
Happiness is an emotional state that takes place when your thoughts and emotions are aligned with your desires and goals in life.
In the last 4 weeks we’ve looked at Possibilities, Awareness, Time, and now Happiness, the P.A.T.H. to achieving your goals and dreams
When you define a new Possibility for your life, you become aware of opportunities that are there.
When your Awareness grows, you start seeing a timeline for what could be. Each person has their own time some can make things happen in days while others take years. Each is perfect for that person.
Once you’ve started along your Timeline a funny thing happens…you start to feel happier…because you are on your right P.A.T.H.
How do you define happiness? Post in the comments and head on over to Facebook and give me a shout out.
Until next time: Keep your eyes on the horizon, your hands on the wheel, and your foot on the GAS!
Let’s DO THIS!