WHAT IS HAPPINESS?
Happiness can be elusive and difficult to define. What is it? What is Happiness?
At its core, happiness is a sense of contentment and well-being that can come from a variety of sources. It can be a feeling of joy and excitement, or a sense of calm and peace.
One of the most common sources of happiness is social connections. Studies have shown that people who have strong relationships with family and friends tend to be happier than those who are more isolated. Social connections can provide a sense of belonging, support, and love that is essential for happiness.
Another important source of happiness is purpose and meaning. People who have a sense of purpose and feel that their lives have meaning tend to be happier than those who feel aimless and unfulfilled. Thus, pursuing a passion or hobby, volunteering, or taking on a meaningful project, can give one be happy.
Happiness can also come from taking care of oneself considering our PIES (physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual) Regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and practicing mindfulness or prayer/meditation can all contribute to a sense of well-being and happiness.
It's important to note that happiness is not always constant, it can be influenced by different factors such as events, moods, and the environment. It's a dynamic state that can change over time.
One of the keys to cultivating happiness is to focus on the present. When we are able to live in the present, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we tend to be happier. This can be achieved by first counting our blessings, being grateful and thankful for them, and then mindfulness and prayer/meditation, helping us bring a sense of calm and peace.
Another key to cultivating happiness is to set realistic and achievable goals. Setting and achieving small units of goals apparently, can help to boost self-esteem and give us a sense of accomplishment, as we take on more and more small units of goals.
Indeed, happiness is a feeling that many people strive for, and it can come from a variety of sources such as social connections, purpose and meaning, and taking care of oneself. It's important to focus on the present moment, practice mindfulness and meditation, and set realistic and achievable goals. However, happiness can change over time and it's important to be kind and gentle with ourselves when it's not present, and not hesitate to reach out for support when we need it...
