Happiness Formulae

There isn’t a formula for happiness, just try to do things which will make you happy without actually wanting to have the end result. This is what I understood after reading several quotes on the subject including a quote from Bertrand Russell.  The voyage is better than the goal, I understood. It sounds like one will always be disappointed if he found that there was nothing after happiness.

People can make or break the chain of reactions that bring them euphoria or elation. It is kind of like saying to a smoker that he will be happier if he stops the habit and they often are. The trick is to be able to give it up with the goal of being happier. Often enough the habit is stronger than the urge to be problem free.If a person decides to frequent a gang whose promise for success is stepped in wrong doings, it is up to him to decide what will make him happier. Naturally this does not mean that society around him will be satisfied or happier with his decision but that is his choice and he will pay the price for being subversive.

Happiness is also a question of living healthily and with a minimum amount of worry. To be more blunt happiness is question of forgetting what ails you or ignoring problems that will bring you down. This is what I got from Ingrid Bergman who must have had some unmemorable moments she wanted to forget.

Camus wrote something to the effect of not being too concerned with other people on your way to happiness and I can see where he was coming from when I have met people which have offered me little companionship and more worry or angst because of their instability or aberrant behavior.

If such people approach me these days, I am less likely to worry about them or want to get involved and this keeps me clear of any problems that may arise such as being asked for money and other favors when I need to help myself and concentrate on my own goals.

Helen Keller made a reference about keeping her gaze towards the sun to avoid seeing any shadows. Metaphorically this can be taken as to keep your mind full of optimism and give little heed to the negative input around you. There will always be plenty of that as “misery does enjoy company.”

Bertold Brecht made a reference to of enjoy life to fullest because it is brief and this is where I would like to conclude my review on happiness quotes. Indeed, as I reflect on how many years I have spent concerning myself with issues that seem so trivial, today I know know that I will spend less mental time on the absurd.