It seems like people are on a never-ending quest for an elusive emotion called Happiness. Bookstore shelves are filled to the brim with flashy titles promising Happiness. Self-help gurus populate the airways with shortcuts on how to obtain constant bliss. Advertisers try to coerce consumers into thinking Happiness is something you can buy.
Even though the state of Happiness can be hard to come by, it does exist. Here are some useful tips that can aid us on our journey to getting there:
Learn the difference between happiness and pleasure
Pleasure is gratification that is dependent on external circumstances. It is experienced through the five senses. However, Happiness is an internal state of well-being.
Stop living someone else’s life
There are certain standards set up by every society that dictate what you are supposed to want, have, and be.
Following the herd, we often do the following: doggedly pursue more material things than we need, try to adhere to impossible beauty standards, maintain relationships based on convenience for the sake status and appearance, etc. But, there is always a nagging sensation that something is wrong.
Everyone should follow the highest nature of their bliss, no matter how small it appears to be. Time on this planet is finite; so do not waste another moment not being true to you.
Stop woulda, coulda, shoulda thinking
The past is over and nothing can change it, so wallowing in regret and endless guilt over transgressions is futile. Make it a point to learn from the negative consequences of your actions and vow to do better next time. Make amends to yourself and others and move on.
Do not look for others to validate you
It has been said time and time again that we must love ourselves. However, that is easier said than done. More often than not, we expect others to give us the approval that we should be giving ourselves.
This is when we use manipulation, consciously and unconsciously, to gain the favor of others. Cars, money, houses, job titles, and our bodies become bait. We end up attracting people who would not have entered our lives otherwise. The next step is to become addicted to the superficial validation these people give us. Inevitably, they take their approval away and our void is filled with anger, disappointment, and pain.
True self-love reduces the chances of that happening. Self-love takes time and practice. However, when it is achieved, others do not become our lives, but are compliments to it.
Be thankful
If you have the ability and access to resources to read this article, express gratitude for your fortunate circumstances.
We are all given blessings. The trick is to recognize them. Surprisingly, that is when Happiness usually shows up.
