Happiness

Happiness is something we all strive for daily, with our well-being being a top priority. We channel our lives to experience positive emotions that sustain a sense of life satisfaction. We need to find balance as we are guided by a sense of meaning and true purpose. Happiness does not come from an abundance of wealth. Well, some money would be nice, but what is most important is the ability to make a difference and live a life that is most rewarding and meaningful. Where the simplest of life's rewards can bring happiness, kindness, mutual respect, unconditional love, humility, and sacrifice to guide the path you take in life. As we look around us, we see happiness in a child's smile, a dog's tail wag, a cat's purr, or simply in the kindness of a stranger. Spreading happiness onto others is satisfying, as do others unto us; it no doubt comes back to you. As we meet people, we find happiness among our friends. Over time, the friends that are still close to you are there to fulfill your happiness, and vice versa. Sincere and meaningful friendships have a way of doing that. It is vital that your friends are honest and trustworthy to you and that you are to them, and that they provide the most authentic happiness that benefits all. We all want happiness in our lives, and we strive to achieve it despite the challenges we face in society. We must understand that we cannot control what happens outside our lives; we can only control the destiny of our own actions. Therefore, it is within our own rights to decide what makes us happy. A world where happiness is a constant, and your life is worth living to the fullest.

"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature."

- Marcus Aurelius

"There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will."

- Epictetus

"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony."

-Thomas Merton

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."

- Mahatma Gandhi

There are many benefits of happiness, and they are experienced by many; it is a crucial reason for people's improved physical and mental well-being.  Over time, happy people will also have stronger relationships with family and friends, enabling them to become much more resilient. You must create and sustain nurturing relationships that benefit all parties, while pursuing your goals. When you practice self-care and gratitude always, you will enhance your well-being. Material wealth does not lead to sustained happiness; it is often fleeting and never enough to truly satisfy. Life satisfaction is rooted in joy as you embark on a journey of pursuing positive relationships with purpose and meaning. Moments of joy should be a constant in life, and maintaining them helps you fulfill your individual needs for life satisfaction. Realistic happiness only occurs when you invest in yourself. You mustn't avoid negative feelings; instead, work through them and emerge stronger. When you navigate and find purpose for your life, you will eventually achieve long-term happiness. Making a difference in others' lives brings abundant happiness to your life. It is also vital that you make choices that work for you and you alone, that enable you to be happy. Surround yourself with caring people who share your interests. We all seek happiness, and sometimes we miss opportunities for meaningful connections. A strong social circle that supports your growth and development plays a crucial role in your overall happiness. Your happiness is in your hands, and with the people who include you in their lives. Happiness begins with a strong foundation and continues with love and strength. A life fulfilled is a life filled with happiness.

"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions."

- Dalai Lama

“Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”

- Aristotle

"I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstances but by our disposition."

- Martha Washington

"The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us."

- Ashley Montagu

Over the years, I have learned that you can pick your friends, who become part of your family. I often tell people, I get my fun and laughter from my younger friends and my wisdom and guidance from my older friends. Sometimes the reverse and everything else in between. Unreasonable expectations, cultural barriers, or pseudo behaviors and hidden agendas only destroy happiness. As we see all that is happening around us, we wonder why some people are so miserable. There are days filled with darkness, even the slightest of light can't get through. A life without happiness is one in which sorrow multiplies and daily challenges are faced. It is challenging to comprehend what people are going through in their lives. Everyone experiences both good and bad days. We all have days when we feel that we are not happy, maybe we are just going through challenging times, or like those coping with never-ending health setbacks. It helps to find the light within ourselves or to bring people into our lives who carry the light of happiness. It is vital to have friends and family who support and love you for who you are, and not for anything else. A light like happiness, when extinguished, is challenging to relight unless you and your loved ones are doing everything possible to keep it alive and well.

We must seek out happiness and let happiness flow into our hearts. Happiness comes to those who seek it; happiness flourishes only when you nurture and sustain it. Sometimes the smallest of gestures can let happiness shine through like a ray of sunlight. I tend to use humor; it helps dilute the sadness I sometimes feel and allows me to be happy, despite the misery I've experienced at times. Being happy is not just a façade; it can be a reality for all. Sometimes, we all need to work at it to foster growth and bring happiness into our lives. Our circle of friends and family plays a vital role in helping us find happiness when we need it the most. Just live life to the best of your ability, and you will find happiness.

"Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a goal and an essential part of my life - a kind of destiny. Whoever is in distress can call on me. I will come running wherever they are."

- Princess Diana

"Don't wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get,t you've got to make yourself."

- Alice Walker

"Happiness is like those palaces in fairy tales whose gates are guarded by dragons: we must fight to conquer it."

- Alexandre Dumas

“If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows like a shadow.”

- Buddha

“The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it.”

- Johann Wolfang von Goethe