Have you ever just sat in complete stillness and asked yourself “what does happiness mean to me?”
I see it so many times, and I must confess that at one point in time, I thought what made me happy was materialistic items. I wanted to keep up with the Jones, whoever the jones are. Here is another question, who are these Jones? They have a lot to answer to.
Anyway, it took me many years to realise that happiness comes from within. Not in what you have but in what you are grateful for. I am rich beyond belief. I have a wonderful family, I have great friends, I have a nice home, I am no longer full of stress because of a job, I now see beauty all around me. I am fortunate to live in the country and not too far from beautiful beaches, where I absolutely love to walk.
These are all things that I have had my whole life but could not see or appreciate. I took them for granted. I was completely blinded. I thought if I had the latest fashion it would make me happy. I love shoes, and I will admit I was very happy when I bought a new pair, but once they had been worn a few times they just became another pair of shoes, so the hedonistic happiness didn’t last long.
The same can be said when I bought my first brand new car. Oh, I was so excited going shopping for it, buying it, and collecting it. I was so proud of the fresh number plate. Again, the hedonistic happiness was there but within a couple of months it was just a car. A lot of years were spent saying “when I have this …………… I will be happy, when I have that ……………….. I will be happy”. And I was for a time, but this kind of hedonistic happiness does not last.
The type of happiness I strive for now is so different, I now look at my wellbeing as my greatest factor for happiness. Am I happy mentally, physically, and spiritually?
With less stress in my life yes, I am happier mentally. I have Fybromyalgia, so physically I am not 100% but I could be so much worse. On days I am not feeling so bad, I get up, show up and get on with life. I am grateful for all that I have. Am I happy spiritually? Yes, I am.
One of my favourite sayings is “This is not a rehearsal” we have been blessed with this life and how we go through it is up to us. Each and everyone one of us has been given the gift of free will, so we can choose to be happy with what we have or miserable wanting what someone else has. I know the choice I have made. What choice have you made?
Make a deal with yourself this week. Sit with a cup of Tea, coffee, or whatever your choice of beverage, and think about the question, “What Does Happiness Mean To Me”?
Have a pen and paper at the ready and write down your answer. Is it materialistic items that make you happy or are you happy within?
Are you happy Mentally, Physically and Spiritually?
Here are a few tips to help you live a happier life:
- Find purpose and meaning
- Step out of your comfort zone
- Look for happiness even if life is hard at times
- Express gratitude
- Eliminate negative thoughts
- Take regular exercise
- Practice Mindfulness
- Stop comparing your life with others.
