Songs are sung about happiness. Stories are written about happiness. Poems espouse the notion of happiness. Movies are written and acted out about happiness.
The word “happy” is wished before holidays and birthdays. The word “happy” is woven in and out of speech and prose so frequently that many times people are barely aware of the word’s meaning. Idiomatic phrases throw “happy” around as if it were a catch-all phrase:
“Money won’t bring happiness”
“Happy as a clam”
“Happy as a flea in a doghouse”
“Happy-go-lucky”
“Happy camper”
“Happily ever after”
“Happy days are here again”
“Happy as a lark”
“Don’t worry be happy”
“Happy to see you”
“Happy together”
“Be happy”
The Search for Happiness
All these phrases describe or use the word “happy” differently. The elusive search for happiness has driven many people mad. For much of humanity, happiness is a destination. Or, it is the barometer for which people measure their days. Branches of psychology have put happiness under the microscope to find out how to attain it or how to get there.
People often say they are no longer “happy” in their relationships, which leads them to upheaval, break-ups, or divorce. People change jobs because they are not “happy” in their work. People may decide to move their home because they are not “happy” living in their neighborhood or city.
Happiness is the thing or state of being they are seeking. Somes they seek it without even being clear as to what their definition of happiness is. Yet, they only know it when they do not “have” it.
What is Happiness?
In order to find happiness, we must first define it. Yet, to define happiness implies we can put handles on it. Happiness is subjective and nebulous. It may even change in its scope based upon people’s circumstances.
So how can we find it? Especially if we’re not exactly certain as to what it is? Then, when we find it, how can we get more of it? These are questions that have plagued humanity since the dawn of civilization. But, one thing is for sure: people want more of it!
Happiness may look different to each person. But, we can take a broad brush approach and categorize happiness as a state of well-being. This state of well-being is usually infused with satisfaction and meaning on a deep level.
Defining Happiness
However, deep-level satisfaction and meaning are subjective and individual to each person. These aspects can vary depending on the person’s value system, place in life, and more. Therefore, targeting a state of happiness – one containing deep satisfaction and meaning – is a good place to start.
Each person’s idea of happiness may look quite different. Yet, there are qualities and habits that cross over. The following is the Stairway to Happiness. Here we identify a list of common qualities shared by happy people:
Spiritual
For people who cultivate spirituality in their lives, a deep sense of fulfillment usually ensues. Studies show that spiritually-connected people report higher levels of meaning and happiness in their lives. Their spirituality also helps build a strong immune system and can allow them access to profound peace. Inner-peace lays the groundwork for deep and meaningful pursuits in life.What is Happiness?
In order to find happiness, we must first define it. Yet, to define happiness implies we can put handles on it. Happiness is subjective and nebulous. It may even change in its scope based upon people’s circumstances.
So how can we find it? Especially if we’re not exactly certain as to what it is? Then, when we find it, how can we get more of it? These are questions that have plagued humanity since the dawn of civilization. But, one thing is for sure: people want more of it!
Happiness may look different to each person. But, we can take a broad brush approach and categorize happiness as a state of well-being. This state of well-being is usually infused with satisfaction and meaning on a deep level.
Grateful
Many people who are happy in life are also grateful for their lives – the good and the bad. They often practice gratitude by journaling, meditating, or praying. By centering themselves in gratitude, people are more satisfied with their lives which magnetically attracts more things to be grateful for. In fact, studies show that regular expressions of gratitude promote optimism, better health, and overall satisfaction with life.
Forgiving
When people are able to forgive others for transgressions, they release the negative emotional tied to the transgression and set themselves free. Forgiveness is often misinterpreted as an act for others. Ultimately, forgiveness is a sacred gift to oneself, setting oneself free of the pain attached to the transgression. This enables forgiving people to be more happy in the present moment.
Compassionate
Acts of altruism and kindness light up the same pleasure centers in the brain as food and sex. It simply feels good! Compassion enables people to feel goodness, a positive sensation, when they are able to be kind and caring to others. This happy sensation is healthy and expansive, breeding a sense of well-being.
Mindful
People who are able to practice mindfulness are often able to stay in the present moment. They are able to glean the gifts of the present time and space, not snared in the anxiety of the past or the worry of the future. Studies prove that mindful people have stronger immune systems and are not as prone to anger. Mindfulness enables people to access a state of happiness and fulfillment.
Active
The endorphins enjoyed by people who exercise can make them feel euphoric, happy sensations. These feelings are fleeting and do not last. But, they are almost like an appetizer for the “happy meal” of happiness that healthy and balanced people enjoy. For example, the energy that is moved and created with sports and physical exercise helps people to be in a positive state of health. This healthy state can fuel people with the sustenance to pursue other life goals; thus, enabling them to pursue lives of wellness, health, and meaning.
Connected
Happy people usually have close relationships with others. The quality of the relationships and connections exceeds quantity. People who invest their time and energy in healthy relationships often live happy lives full of giving and receiving love. Social connections to others can result in deeply, happy relationships.
Stairway to Happiness
Happiness is not a destination, but it is the path itself. Happy people are resilient and able to see the glass half full not half empty. They count their blessings and have a spiritual belief system that brings meaning to their lives. They are able to authentically forgive and deeply connect with others in compassionate ways. They incorporate growth-activities into their lives, keeping them healthy and balanced. Ultimately, happy people find reasons to be
happy and mindfully seek the deeper meaning in life.
Paths to Wellness