The term “happiness” is bandied about in countless ways each day. How often do you consider what you mean when you use the word “happy,” “content,” blissful”? Do you actually mean what you’re saying when you use it?
The dictionary defines the concept this way:
hap·pi·ness
[hap-ee-nis]
noun
1. the quality or state of being happy.
2. good fortune; pleasure; contentment;joy.
Are those individuals in retail customer service truly happy to serve you? If you dealt with whining or complaining people all day, could you plaster a smile on your face and be pleasant, cheerful, and feel happiness at serving anyone?
I’m not sure why my mind turned to how often we lie to ourselves and others about being happy. I saw the word “Happiness” and I flashed on those times when I’ve feigned the emotion rather than take out my frustrations and true feelings on someone who had nothing to do with my current emotional state.
A minor revelation flitted through the brain, showing images of those times of genuine joy and bliss. Such occasions are often quiet, thoughtful occasions, left unmarked by calendar or photograph. They are remarkable only as they relate to the sense of fulfillment that washes over one’s spirit, leaving behind no desires of any kind except for a continuation of the emotion.
If that feeling is true happiness, how does it compare to the one felt when a wish is fulfilled? Are you like me and say things like: “I’d be happy if…” or “If only I could…, I’d be happy.” Does happiness follow when a positive outcome materializes? Do you simply wish for something else and brush past the one that was just delivered?
Professionals strive to move on the fast-track. Fast food suffices for nourishment when whole foods would be healthier for us and more pleasant eating. Speed has become the driver of existence. Our fast-paced daily lives require us to take as little time as possible to complete tasks and move on to the next.
Is it any wonder that we don’t take time to feel, acknowledge, or be mindful of those fleeting things we call emotions? Anger is easy to manifest without thought. Frustration sees to that.
How does one generate happiness with regularity? How does one manifest true happiness more often? Lastly, how can one be mindful of it?
These are questions that I believe everyone struggles with now. For the next few weeks, I want to explore the subject of happiness and its acquisition in today’s world. I hope you, the reader will come back to join in the discussion and bring some of your own revelations to share with others.
Related articles
- What is Happiness? (coca-cola.com)
- Thoughts on Happiness (oceanly.wordpress.com)
- We need to stop being so hard on ourselves… (aclairavoyantjourney.wordpress.com)
- Good vs. Happy (quotelife.wordpress.com)
- Guest Post: A Taste of Bliss (freelancingtofreedom.com)
- After looking within…then what? What do we do with what we see? (aclairavoyantjourney.wordpress.com)