Chasing happiness

Everyone wants to be happy, but how many of us are really just spending our time chasing it?  Trying to fill a void?

True happiness is more than just being positive.  According to Psychology Today,  happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life—that is, with a sense of meaning and deep satisfaction. Research shows that happiness is not the result of bouncing from one joy to the next; achieving happiness typically involves times of considerable discomfort.  Interesting?  Maybe.

Thinking about it terms of myself or my kids…it gets more fascinating.  Do I spend my time chasing happiness?  Do my kids?  Right now, my kids do to a degree.  They look at items and think “I really need this new video game” or “I really need this new toy”.  On the surface, they believe it will bring happiness.  It may for a week or month, but that feeling slowly will leave.  As they grow older this pursuit may try to steer them into bad relationships or friendships.  It may point to more meaningless possessions or jobs .

Though genetics do play a role.  There is more!  What should we be focusing on?  After scouring the internet, here are the top 10 things I compiled that can start you on the right path to true happiness!

• Learn to forgive-don’t dwell on the past
• Be kind
• Love yourself
• Be optimistic
• Cherish family and friendships
• Commit to goals and volunteer for good causes
• Count your blessings
• Don’t compare yourself to others-run your own race
• Meditate and exercise and sleep

(Notice $$ isn’t mentioned.  We all know money and the financial freedom that comes with it can relieve worry…and that can make you happy…but only to a point)

So today’s lesson for yourself and your kids…focus on happy!  Choose happy…it is closer than you think!

” Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can’t change. Life’s too short to be anything… but happy. ” – Anonymous

Song: Three Little Birds~Bob Marley