Each one of us has a different idea of what happiness means. And everyone can learn how to make themselves become happier and to take responsibility for their own happiness.
How do I get happy
The term happiness varies widely because it means something totally different to all of us. Many philosophers and free thinkers have dealt with the subject of happiness throughout history. Daniel Spitzer said – “Happiness is a mosaic picture made up of nothing but inconspicuous little joys”
Learn to be happy
When the fairy tale says “and they lived happily ever after”, everyone has their own idea of what that might look like in their life – because the term “happiness” usually has to do with their own satisfaction and how it relates to them.
But what makes each one of us satisfied can be very different, personal and professional success, a loving family or the dream job, and working on a passion project can all contribute a degree of satisfaction – depending on how far one takes it.
Those who can combine the things that are important to themselves also radiate this outwardly: Happy people are more relaxed and at ease, because they are more congruent and in alignment with their life’s purpose. They are less stressed and worry less because they’re actually doing the work and living their dharma.
The question of “What makes you happy?” Or “What is happiness?” Is not always easy to answer, sometimes you have to do a little soul searching.
There is no general formula or method for happiness. So, if you feel unhappy, it’s advisable to take a closer look at what invokes these positive emotions within. Because it is in your own hands whether you are happy or unhappy.
You own the power to decide for yourself.
The decision to be happy is not always an easy one, because happiness also has to do with change, and change is usually uncomfortable.
For example, do you feel unhappy in your job because it destroys your soul?
Do you have a partner who cheats on you, disrespects you, or treats you badly?
Then the first step to being happy would be to find a new job or break ties with your partner. But, this takes absolute courage. And the fear of “what comes after” shouldn’t keep you from making a decision.
Take action.
Other paths to happiness
Of course, there are also situations that we cannot change or dictate ourselves. A catastrophic accident through no fault of their own or a terminal illness throws even the best of us off-kilter.
Nevertheless, it’s still very possible to experience moments of happiness even when the odds are stacked against us.
Simply focus your mind on the present and on what you can do in this very moment – not on what you can’t do, have or achieve. You may even discover entirely new skills and traits about yourself through the process.
Have you ever tried a great feat of some sort? Despite physical limitations, there are also countless opportunities for you to occupy yourself and focus your energy in a creative way.
Set good goals to be happy
Oftentimes, being unhappy stems from wrong goals and remaining uncertain. The first premise must be: Set your own goals! Don’t let others decide which job or life path you choose, which partner you marry, or where and however you choose to live your life.
You are the master of your domain.
Only you can decide for yourself. Sometimes that also means you have to face the disappointment of loved ones, arguments and even remove yourself from certain environments. The key to happiness is making it crystal clear to those around you what is important to you. You only have one life to live and you should live it the way you like – and not how others want or think you should.
Happiness and time
Oftentimes, happiness has a lot to do with time. Those who only rush from one appointment to the next, work overtime regularly, and have little time to breathe, also run the risk of being unhappy.
Always rushing and hurrying results in a hectic state of being.
It will lead to burn-out due to too much stress and will trigger feelings such as depression and emotional exhaustion.
Good time management can therefore be very beneficial and helpful in trying to be happy.
In stressful everyday life, it’s beneficial to create small, micro-breaks to rest and relax.
For example, on one day of the week, do something that you personally enjoy. This can be a trip to the gym, a walk at the park, a dip in the river, a movie night with friends, a cup of tea and crumpets, or your favorite meal with your partner, or even a relaxing bath with a glass of wine.
Happiness is the little things in life
Sometimes happiness gets revealed in the little things in life. A nice chat with the cashier at the supermarket, a glass of kombucha under a shady tree, a nightcap at a street café, or an unexpected smile from a stranger passing by – all of these can make tiny differences that all add up. Feeling happy does not always depend on money and material things, because many things that make you happy cannot be bought.