How many times have we wished we were “happy?” and have tried aimlessly to answer, “what is wrong with me? Why am I not happy?” in our search for happiness.  Like the eternal search for the secret to the “fountain of youth”, individuals have been searching for the secret to “happiness”.

Happiness is a concept, which is undefined, and has no boundaries. In order to find happiness, we must first be able to identify what it means. This is a complicated task, as we are all very unique individuals with different views, perceptions, and measures for happiness.

Happiness is a life goal that can be approached by broadening our own perspective on it. Opening up ourselves, within our mind, to identify what  “real happiness” is can help us to more freely uncover and sustain it. We generally consider happiness as a “right” to have, and try to possess it through material things. It is easier for us to create external, superficial solutions such as buying something, a trip, a new hobby, or other individuals/relationships rather than changing ourselves from within. How we view our world and ourselves are conscious choices and habits. These views determine how we choose to interpret events, positively or negatively, on an everyday basis, which become a part of our life.  Seeing “the glass being half full, instead of half empty” is an example of this concept.

Another important process toward happiness is having the ability to accept pleasant events without seeking them, and dealing with unpleasant events without negatively judging them. Having a self-awareness and ownership of our thoughts and actions allows us to “think outside the box” and receive reality from a more relative, and subjective view rather than the “why me?” victim view which is negative and self centered.

We cannot have pleasure without displeasure!

We need to sit with our feelings of unhappiness in order to have resolution of them towards the feeling of happiness and life appreciation. In conclusion, happiness is the ability to take all the “knock out” experiences of life as a sign of awakening, with an open mind and heart, embracing necessary change towards happiness.

Take a few moments to reflect on these inspirational quotes on happiness:

“Very little is needed to make a happy life: it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”

-Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

-Frederick Keonig

“Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.”

-Benjamin Disraeli

After reflection and new insight, we come to know that happiness is found within us, and is within our grasp to achieve if we so desire.  Can we then assume that the fountain of youth lies within the confines of our mind and thoughts?  Please share your thoughts with me.