Happiness

Happiness – what is it and how do I get some? What exactly is happiness? According to Wikipedia, “Happiness is used in the context of mental or emotional states, including positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. It is also used in the context of life satisfaction, subjective well-being, flourishing and well-being.”

I honesty had no idea that contentment was happiness. For so long I had this skewed perception of happiness. To me, happiness meant elation ALL THE TIME. It was a state of being and something that was not truly achievable. I couldn’t’ have been more wrong.

In my psychology class we did something called the Happiness Project. You can take the same test that I took here and see how you score on the Complete and Authentic Happiness Inventory. It was quite eye opening. I always thought that I wasn’t a happy person in that I wasn’t elated all the time. I am a truly emotional being that has a lot of ups and downs but one thing I did know for sure was, I AM CONTENTED. Contentment = happiness in my eyes.

I wish I had known this long ago as I think that I truly am a generally contented person. Always striving for something to make myself a better person, better practitioner, better parent, better wife all to have a better life. I have a very good life, I don’t really need anything better.

We have been conditioned to want and compare. This is the thief of joy, this will rob you of any happiness or contented feelings you ever had. You can read my blog article about that here. Look within yourself. Look within your needs and wants and see what is best for you and only you. You are the only one who can make yourself contented, you are the only one who can be unhappy. You and only you.

Let me know how you did on the happiness evaluation. If you didn’t score where you wanted to, changes need to be made. Is the glass half empty or half full? Honestly it doesn’t matter, it is ALWAYS refillable. Make sure you are taking time for yourself to recharge and be the best version of you. As always, my door is open, send an email to melissa@sweetwillowspirit.com if you would like to chat. Have a wonderful and contented day!

Love and light,

Melissa