The Happiness Post

 I'm hoping this doesn't come off as a typical "Happiness" post. Despite my efforts, I'm sure that will be the case. Moving forward. I feel that happiness is one of the most talked about subjects. Just take a gander at a self help section in your local "Barnes and Noble" (I recommend used books stores, much cheaper) . There you will see loads of books on the subject.  To name a few: "The Key to Happiness", "Every Day A Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week", and  "The Happiness Project". The list could go on. Just for the record, I haven't actually read any of these books, but I have read others on the same subject. It seems that each book sports a new idea or secret key to this happiness that we all are searching for. What I'm about to say regarding happiness isn't anything new and I certainly don't want it to be a secret. The main reason I think it to be of value is solely because of its' simplicity. Happy reading.

In order to get a rein on our own happiness, we must first change what makes us happy. Is that even possible? I feel that we set our guidelines for being happy too high. It seems that we twist up our goals along with our happiness. At times we don't let our selves be happy unless we complete our goals. Being goal oriented is not bad by any means, but only being happy if we complete these set goals can be a heavy burden, especially if you have lofty ones. In our pursuit of happiness, we are forgetting to be happy. I mentioned in my last post the importance of winning the 'small' battles. Once again, I believe it's the 'small' things. If we can be happy with little, then we can happy with much. Like I said, this isn't a new idea. It has been said before. Now think about it. Who is likely to be more content in life? Someone who is basing their happiness on constant wants (New car, more money, bigger house), or someone who is just happy they had a mighty fine breakfast burrito this morning. Obviously the latter. If we accept happiness to be a choice instead of a result of circumstance, then it will be. If we accept to receive joy from the instances that happen often (a nice breeze or talking to a kind friend) then we will be happier more often. Is any of this making sense? It sounds too simple, but I think that's how it is meant to be. Maybe we have made it harder then it really is, we humans do tend to do that. Instead of making the choice to be happy later, or the choice for our happiness to be contingent, why not be happy right now?