You Can be Happy

Happiness is a state of mind. It comes from within. It comes from our perception. We are happy because of the attitude we take. Did you ever realize that unhappiness is not caused by what happens to us, but by how we interpret what happens to us? Did you realize that the true meaning of happiness is contentment, comfort and joy? No one can make you happy except you yourself.

Causes of unhappiness

The true cause of our unhappiness is when we decide to put the blame on circumstances, events and other people for it. We should accept responsibility for our actions and analyze the cause of our behavior and how to improve it.

Basically we are unhappy if we do not get what we want, we are not contented, we live a life of regret and we don’t have a good relationship with others.

Sometimes what other people do makes you angry and unhappy.

As an example, say a guy is driving ahead of you and stopped his car suddenly for no apparent reason blocking you from moving forward. Your first reaction would be to swear at him for being so inconsiderate, making you lose precious time. He has inconvenienced you as you’ll now have to pass him and yet others will not let you making you even more frustrated.

Finally, you managed to pass him and you glared at him as you pass and curse some more under your breath, feeling really uptight. Even after driving for a distance his inconsiderate act is still on your mind. Just think what had just happened to you? You got really angry, your heart rate went up, and your blood pressure probably shot up several points.

Is it worth it? Can you do something to overcome this?

Of course you can. It’s all up to you to react in a totally different manner. For instant, firstly don’t get angry as you could give him the benefit of doubt that he had to stop suddenly for some good reasons. Then display some patience and pass him safely and move on. Just be happy that there was no accident and that everything is OK. You will find yourself in a good mood to carry you through for the rest of the day.

Steps towards achieving happiness

1. Be and accept yourself – You are you. Don’t try to be another person. Yes, by all means, you should try to build your own character to be a better person. But don’t beat yourself up for every little small thing that you’ve done wrong. Be kind to yourself. Remember no one is perfect and you are no exception.
2. Smile and laugh often – Smiling and laughing can have an immediate and positive uplift to your mood. It’s time you lighten up and you’ll feel good about it.
3. Be grateful and contented – Count your blessings and be grateful with what you have. Be satisfied with what you possess now. One of the main causes of discontentment and envy is to “keep up with the Joneses” and can’t. Let’s face it. Be realistic. You can’t have everything you want in life. Happy people learn to be happy with what they already have and not with what they don’t have.
4. Be optimistic and have a positive mindset – You’ll see things in a different light. There’s hope and solution to every problem.
5. Build relationships – True happiness comes when you have wonderful relationships whereby you can love others and be loved by others. Don’t take things for granted. Be honest. You need to constantly work at building sound and meaningful relationships to bear results.
6. Develop multiple passions – Have you not noticed that if you are passionate about something you’ll find much joy in what you’re doing? Time will pass by quickly. So try to uncover new passions which will lead to new ways of achieving happiness.
7. Make other people happy – Seeing others happy can be contagious and will definitely bring a warm feeling to you. Just look at a mother’s face whenever she makes her toddler smile and giggle.
8. Be compassionate – If you practice compassion you can make both you and other people happy. Seek and help others who are less fortunate than you.
9. Forget the past and have no regrets – Don’t cry over spilt milk. What’s done is already done. You can’t undo it. Learn from your mistakes and move on. Don’t live in the past and burdened yourself with the past. Live your life in the present moment and make the choice to be happy.
10. Be patient – Learn to cultivate patience. Patience is a virtue that will lead to tolerance and joy.

Conclusion

Happiness depends on you. It comes from within and this feeling can be developed. It is not that difficult to learn, attain and maintain happiness. Like all things in life you must first have a burning desire to want to be happy. Then you actively learn how and then work hard towards this end. The results you get will depend on yourself. It will definitely be worthwhile and satisfying. You’ll be so happy when you have finally achieved it.