Everyone may have similar things that make them happy, but what in particular makes you happy? Some are easily pleased with the smallest of pleasures, like seeing a baby smile or warm socks on a cold day.
Then there’s the cold beer on a hot day crowd, and if you really want to raise the happiness bar add a side of salty fries. OK I’m getting a little too simple, but I’m just sayin’.
Riding in a limousine is certainly up there on the happiness meter. Usually it means that there’s a special occasion afoot. Wedding, anniversary, prom, big deal date, the list goes on. Or maybe it’s just a ride to the airport and you can sit back knowing you’ve earned the right to let yourself be chauffeured around like the royalty you are.
We are all over the map with what makes us happy.
Being happy differs culture to culture. Why would anyone – at least not anyone I know want to be subjected to pain and torture to enter the right of manhood? I mean have you seen the National Geographic specials where the young men are pierced in places that I will not mention to gain the entrance into manhood? In a word – Yikes! Nonetheless that makes them happy because they are officially regarded in a higher esteem by their fellow kinsmen.
Happiness is subjective, yet we know there are universal denominators that connect us at the human level to happiness. The love of friends and family generally make people happy. Extra cash to spare and share gives a deep sense of satisfaction that can easily translate into happiness. For a lot of folks their pets make them happy. Have you seen the signs outside your local pet store that state: “If you think money can’t buy you happiness then you’ve never adopted a pet.” Amen to that brother.
There are hundreds of books and articles on what we need to do to bring a life of fulfillment and therefore happiness. Happiness gurus abound. Do these 7 steps and then eat this kind of diet, and then be sure to meditate and do headstands 3 times a week wearing a pair of red sunglasses. Some teachers are great actually, but others make their bank accounts happy by leading you towards solutions that come from the outside. Do you think happiness comes from outside ourselves? I call it the “If only . . .”
syndrome.
We all know that happiness has to come from within. If you’re miserable even a baby’s laugh will slide right off and not bring the faintest of smiles to your face. Make peace with yourself. Life is between you and you, and only you can decide how to take it. Your attitude can be supported by all the great articles and teachers, but ultimately you and you alone choose happiness.
A little side note: Stop comparing your life to others. That will squelch your happiness faster than a bug on a busy street. Look at yourself as your best friend. Let others love you and love others in return. At the risk of sounding a bit like the guru I mentioned earlier take some advice and suck up the good stuff around you and drink in life. If you make this a habit it will grow into happiness faster than you realize. If you’re already happy,happy happy – then get out there and share the bounty. ( I bet you already are.)
