How We Personally Affect Our Own Happiness
I remember when I was younger and how I was searching for a purpose and meaningful employment. There were many issues that confronted me because of the instability of my life, at the time. It seemed that the restlessness of my mind and body made me feel constantly unhappy. Way back then, I did not understand how to live in the moment even though the underlying problems remained static. I wanted to find a job that would bring me security and give me a chance to grow with skills, maturity, and advancement. In those days I didn’t have a field I really cared about but, I continued to search for the right one.
During this period of searching, I found myself quite confused and unsure. It was evident in my demeanor, personality, and psychological state…I was worried. After all, I had to return to my parents’ home after being independent for quite awhile-about 3 or 4 years. The unhappiness began to creep into my every action and affect my decision-making process. For instance, if friends asked me to join them for a movie or a social dinner, I would refuse. “I don’t feel up to it”, I would say. I didn’t know it at the time, but this was an action that only cultivates more unhappiness and so the cycle continued on for some time.
What The Research Says
According to research, happiness is a state of mind and being, primarily in the context of a purposeful meaning and interaction with other humans. Having positive connections with one’s community and healthy relationships of any kind, be it social or intimate or both, give positive emotions that translate into happiness. The positive emotions and well-being of the mind and body are basically sustained by the continual behavior of the individual; e.g., having a meaningful purpose that brings creativity, achievement, and service to others becomes the underlying mechanism for feeling good throughout your everyday living (Simon-Thomas, 2015).
Solid Ground Prevent Negative Emotions Running Wild
This does not mean that we are not affected by adversities or problems that may arise. But it does mean that we are more stable in our personality to better handle issues that confront us. In fact, we are better equipped to change negative emotions that emerge instead of harboring them when everything seems to be going wrong or is plain bad in our lives. In other words, our attitudes and level of maturity are solid and our happy attitude looks at everything in a realistic and solvable light.
Formula For Happiness
The bottom line is that “real happiness” stems from what we care about doing in life. Humans by nature need to feel appreciated, accepted and have a sense of achievement. Right along with this, and maybe even before our purpose is established, we must enjoy the interaction with each other. Meaningful relationships and our activities with a community are highlighted by psychologists, in general. So, it is not money and personal gain through material acquisitions that spells out happiness. It is simply a well-thought out and a planned purpose. Or it could even be something that you fell into by chance. As long as it gives you a sense of commitment and accomplishment by contributing to the community, relationships, and society at large… this is what really makes you happy.
Find Your Purpose & Stay Happy
Find your purpose and develop it with full attention, perseverance, and integrity. Once you have found it, pursue it with everything you have and you can be assured you will have found the magic bullet that will keep you thrilled about life. In return, you’ll have the satisfaction of giving to others. This satisfaction will ignite your positive emotions that promote feelings of happiness.
Read my article on “How To Live A Brilliant Life Every Day”.
References
Simon-Thomas, E., PhD. (2015) Berkeley Wellness. Retrieved from
http://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-mind/mind-body/article/what-science-happiness
