Happiness, to me, is a natural result of health and love. It’s thriving. It’s like the moment my car is tuned just right. Or maybe when my cat is purring on my lap. What would it take to fill up my happiness container? And why did it get low in the first place?
How do you equate happiness? Is it a switch you turn on or off? Or a bucket you fill? This is a lot like the glass half empty or glass half full question. It’s funny since most people think of this as a right or wrong, optimist or pessimist problem, but I don’t see it like that. It could be both.
If happiness is a bucket we fill, then load it up with lots of big stuff first. Vacations, toys, experiences. And don’t forget the ice cream. No one is happy without ice cream. It’s a proven fact. Somewhere there is scientific evidence for that, I’m sure. My friends and I have determined that anything can be cured by ice cream. Breaking a nail? Wreck the car? Lost your job? I guess the only exception would be death. That’s the one thing ice cream isn’t helpful with. Unless you serve it at the funeral.
If you see happiness as a switch or a button, what will it take to turn it on? Medicine? A brisk walk? Sleep? Talking with a friend? Maybe some more ice cream will do it. Maybe happiness isn’t the perfection I’m striving for. Maybe it’s just being in the moment that is. Not with everything perfect and in order. Control freak here. I have to remind myself that happiness can be just having the ice cream even if the rest of my life is in chaos. That’s my on switch.
Here is one of my favorite quotes that reminds me of that moment. I had it on my refrigerator for a long time to remind me of this truth.
“Caretake this moment. Immerse yourself in its particulars. Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed. Quit evasions. Stop giving yourself needless trouble. It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now.”― Epictetus
For a little fun check out this link:
janetkwest.com 
[…] Happiness Is? […]
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I couldn’t say how many lists I’ve begun with a heading designed to focus on what makes me happy (akin to joy and broader than contentment). Financial imperatives keep me working for far too many hours a day and, although I do love what I do as a coach, I can’t say that all of the work around maintaining a practice makes me particularly happy. Admin makes me decidedly NOT – though completions feel close.
My sure bets are below:
Dancing, writing, singing, acting, directing, being organized (after the sheer misery of actually doing what it takes to DO that – especially following a move, when I have to start from scratch – AGAIN!);
Being around (or talking with) my friends who challenge my mind or make me laugh, sharing food with friends – especially dinner parties (eating alone is anti-happy – and I eat most meals alone these days, unfortunately).
I’m sure there is more, but my mind always struggles with coming up with it – thus the many lists. GREAT topic.
xx,
mgh
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