Happiness Please help explain it..

PowerMan40
PowerMan40 Posts: 766 Member
Happiness, true happiness, what is it, how do you find it. Is it a chemical response in your brain? Is it the conscious choice you make everyday to be happy.

I cant remember when In the past I was just happy, in that moment. I find myself forcing a smile, presently, and making myself be personable, and inside Im not that person.

I see people all the time, just smiling and happy, and going about there day, like its the best day of their lives. Are they normal, and Im just the broken one?

any and all thoughts welcome
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  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,148 Member
    Chocolate
  • PowerMan40
    PowerMan40 Posts: 766 Member
    zyxst wrote: »
    Chocolate

    Snickers... Kitkat... don't see the correlation to the question posted above.
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  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
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  • PowerMan40
    PowerMan40 Posts: 766 Member
    J_Surita3 wrote: »
    That's a deep question and the answer may be different for everyone. I think we're responsible for our own happiness. I find volunteering or helping others brings me great joy. You have to find what works for you. Focus on the positive things in your life instead of wallowing in sorrows.

    That's all I've got.

    ps. wine helps and money *shrugs*

    I can do wine, money, well we all need more right
  • Caporegiem
    Caporegiem Posts: 4,297 Member
    Hi
  • MsAmandaNJ
    MsAmandaNJ Posts: 1,248 Member
    Don't compare yourself to others, all it'll do is mess with your head and make you feel worse. You're not broken, but you may be missing something in life. I have a question for you: are you content in any aspects of your life? If you are, consider the attitude you have toward them. To me, feeling content makes me happy, knowing that I have enough of what I need and that I don't want more (because "more" is never enough).
  • AmberSpamber
    AmberSpamber Posts: 391 Member
    That's the million dollar question. I know for me, it's all about my attitude. I won't have a great amazing and happy life if I am constantly thinking about the things I don't have, or the things that aren't going right in my life. We spend so much time comparing ourselves to lives we see on social media, and thinking that is what we are supposed to have to be happy, when in all honesty, the people you are envying are doing the same to others as well. " I must get a house, I must have money, I must have a great job etc etc." It's the thinking about what life is supposed to be like that kills you. We all have our own Journey. It took me deleting my facebook to finally figure it out ( not that I have it figured out, I am human afterall) But, I am truly happiest, when I stop and think about what I do have. Sometimes i need to go out into nature to get to that place, and other times, a piece of chocolate will do. Good luck on finding your happiness
  • PowerMan40
    PowerMan40 Posts: 766 Member
  • teetertatertango
    teetertatertango Posts: 229 Member
    I would not judge happiness based on how others appear, for all you know they are also forcing smiles. Maybe happiness to them doesn't mean smiling or being personable.

    What does happiness feel like to you? Are you looking to the outside of others to assign a lack of something internal to yourself?

    My latest thinking on this is that I can only assign happiness after the fact, once I notice it, it's already on its way out. In the moments of happiness, I am not thinking "wow, I'm happy!" I just am.

    I've also decided not to strive for it. It's too wispy. I focus on things I can control, things that might encourage it, but the outcome is not up to me. These things would be exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, time with friends, family, and spouse, cultivating all the aspects of my self (creative, spiritual, etc.), and doing what I need to do so worries don't hang on me.

    I know I'm in trouble when I start to think things like "what is the meaning of life?" That's a rabbit hole for sure.
  • Motorsheen
    Motorsheen Posts: 20,508 Member
    Being thankful and content in the present moment.

    this

    I try to live like a dog. I'm happy in the moment and my needs are simple.





    also, chasing cars is very efficient cardio training.
  • Motorsheen
    Motorsheen Posts: 20,508 Member
    There's a book out there titled: Happiness is a Serious Problem

    I read it a few years ago. It's a very short and worthwhile read on the subject.



    I reckon it's all about purpose, relationships, gratitude.... and tacos.
  • PowerMan40
    PowerMan40 Posts: 766 Member
    Well that's kind of what I mean. Im successful, I have an average home, kids, family, stuff has never been really important to me. I have bought and lost houses, cars, toys, they all don't mean very much in the end. My kids mean everything to me.

    Im not looking for out side influences to make me happy. Im just trying to figure it out, it is a monumental task. I cant remember when last I got really excited over anything, or looked forward to any event. I cant remember " In the moments of happiness, I am not thinking "wow, I'm happy!" I just am." when last this has happened to me that I just realize and just enjoy the moment.
  • salembambi
    salembambi Posts: 5,585 Member
    going within,being present & knowing yourself truly knowing yourself and not just the belief systems ,socially programmed projection of yourself

    belief , love , laughter . to me happiness is balance, truth and love .

    I also do not think many people ever really have true freedom and happiness. only just counterfeit shards of it. constantly looking outside of themselves for validation & "happiness" . "If I have a nice home , a car , a good job , my health,all the latest's tech,lots of awesome on my post on mfp ,people who love me then i will be happy then i will be successful" "If i get married & have kids then ill be truly happy" "if i have money ....and so on ect.


    getting to see the stars at night , hearing either of my parents laugh, connecting with someone who is on the same wavelength as me ahh does that ever make my energy shine brighter


    good dark chocolate also does too though ;)
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  • PowerMan40
    PowerMan40 Posts: 766 Member
    King Solomon went on a quest for happiness.

    He tried lots of women, drinking, being entertained, building buildings and gardens, attaining knowledge, etc. He said all of it was in vain - chasing after wind.

    He did finally find the answer: obey God, enjoy the work you have been given to you and enjoy the wife you have, and the food and drink you have.

    Note, there is no "getting", "chasing," pursuing." Just enjoying and obeying God.

    Obey God and you start with a clean conscience, the basis of happiness. You can't be happy feeling guilty. Then, it doesn’t say find a job you love. It says love the work you have. It doesn’t say find a better partner - it says enjoy the one you have.

    I listened to this wisdom and I found a way to enjoy doing dishes at home - I say thanks, because dirty dishes means we ate and that is a blessing. I enjoy how fast I can load the dishwasher and see a clean sink. I have found a way to enjoy the relentless "dailyness" of life. What once made me close to tears now brings a smile to my face because I have learned to be thankful.

    Wishing you peace.

    Reading homework: The Book of Ecclessiastes (The Bible)

    Thank you for your words. I appreciate the time you took to write this. I am a pastors son, I have read the entire book cover to cover, a few times over growing up, however words on a page, dont mean much, when *kitten* hits the fan.
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  • branflakes1980
    branflakes1980 Posts: 2,516 Member
    Anabela90 wrote: »
    Rhesus peanut butter cups

    My ABSOLUTE Fav :heart: