Happiness is something everyone wants but may not know how to obtain it. Most people as a rule, do not understand where true happiness comes from. Some people think happiness comes from their situation, such as having money, material possessions, great relationships and careers. The truth is that happiness does not come from our external circumstances, and in fact we can learn to be happy. In order to find true, authentic happiness we need to:
- Stop behaviour that is dangerous to our health.
- Work on correcting problem situations from the past.
- Think about happy things.
- Understand the difference between fake and authentic happiness.
- Accept ourselves for who we are.
When people don’t understand they are in control of their own happiness, they search for something to make them happy. This can lead to problems, including:
- Being in a relationship with someone you shouldn’t.
- Having a child to fix a relationship.
- Working in a job that you don’t like just to get a big pay-check.
- Spending money you don’t have to buy things you feel will make you happy.
- Using alcohol and drugs.
- Risk-taking behaviour.
Authentic happiness is in your control and can only be found within. There is likely not a person on this planet that can make you happy nor enough money in the world that can buy you happiness.
Learning how to be happy is within everyone’s control and when you learn how to do this, you will have authentic happiness that is dependent on your situation or other people.
Authentic happiness comes from within. It comes from making wise choices, including choosing to be happy. When our external situation is going well, it might make it easier for us to choose happiness, however it is not the cause of it. You can be happy when things around you are not working out or are nothing like you would want them to be. Happiness is a state of mind.
Happiness is an internal decision you make. It comes from what you choose to think about, talk about and how you choose to behave. You can create happiness in your life even when it doesn’t seem to be possible. You aren’t happy because the things around you are making you happy, you are happy because you ultimately choose your outlook.
At some point in your life, you unconsciously decide what things would make you happy. Most people have something they believe will make them happy. A better job, more money, new car etc. Authentic happiness has to come from within, practicing gratitude for what you have and accepting life the way it is.