People misinterpret happiness thinking that it means you should be happy “all the time”.
But it’s NOT TRUE.
You don’t need to be happy “all the time” to find happiness.
In fact, you need bad days just as much as you need good days.
- They drive you.
- They teach you lessons.
- They show you what you want less of in your life.
- They also help you to appreciate the good days.
And being happy does not mean you are actually happy 24/7.
Because happiness is a feeling bigger than any ONE day.
Happiness Is Bigger Than Any ONE Day
Happiness is about being content with your life as it is now.
Happiness is about finding joy even on bad days.
Happiness comes from being true to yourself.
Happiness is about knowing your enough.
And happiness is also unique to each and every person.
So just because you aren’t happy “all the time”, doesn’t mean that you can’t find happiness or that you aren’t happy, overall.
But I also don’t think you can truly be happy if you don’t push yourself to be the best person that you can be.
We tell our kids “just try your best,” but you should ask yourself if you are indeed trying to live your best life?
Because NOT TRYING your best will certainly eat away at your happiness.
You become content and happy, because you put effort into your life.
You become happy when you know you’ve tried. When you’ve truly done your best.
No one can take that away from you.
Just like NO ONE should be able to take away your happiness.
Your current situation doesn’t matter.
Your past history doesn’t matter.
Your money and things DO NOT MATTER.
Your state of mind – THAT MATTERS.
It’s doubtful that you will wake up tomorrow and suddenly “be happy.”
That is not how happiness works.
Because happiness is more than one emotion.
Happiness Takes Work
And the truth is that you have to work at it.
Because ultimately, happiness is a choice.
You have to choose to do things that make you happy.
You have to choose to be the person that you want to be.
You have to accept reality for what it is.
And you have to manage your expectations for people, experiences, money, AND things.
Happiness is a state of mind that you have to work at, DAY AFTER DAY.
Good days come and go.
But happiness is attainable NO MATTER what your situation.
Because happiness is most of all a state of mind that you can curate and work at.
Happiness Is Learning To Love The Little Things
Happiness is learning to love the little things that make life great:
- reading a great book
- sharing a moment with your kids
- laughing so hard you start to cry
- doing something nice for someone else without expecting anything in return
- drinking a nice refreshing beverage
- savoring your favorite meal
- gazing up at the stars
- watching a movie with your significant other
- a damn good hug
- seeing a new place for the first time
- waking up and realizing that it snowed overnight
These are the little things in life that are there every day if we look for them if we are open to them.
But no ONE moment will change your life…not even LIFE CHANGING MOMENTS.
Happiness isn’t about the big life-changing moments.
Happiness is cultivated day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.
Despite winning the lottery or experiencing a major injury, studies have shown that people’s happiness levels tend to return to their baseline level within six months.
Happiness Is Always A Work In Progress
Even though I’ve retired early, I continue to work at my happiness, day after day.
I work at being grateful for what I have.
I work at being more aware of the little things that are there every day.
I work at trying my best at whatever it is I am doing.
It doesn’t mean I always get it right. I certainly don’t.
But I’ve found my own happiness that works for me.
And I know that you can too!
So go out there and find your happiness!
Create the life that you’ve always wanted:
- Try your best
- Become the best version of you
- Find your ENOUGH
- Accept things as they are now
- Learn to love the little moments that make up your life
Just because you had a bad day, week, or year doesn’t mean you can’t be happy.
Remember, happiness is bigger than any ONE day.
Happiness is a state of mind.
And happiness takes work.
So what are you waiting for?