Universities have been teaching it. Scientists have been studying it. Governments have been appointing positions to oversee it. In the last six months, more than 100 books have been published about it. The United Nations named an official day after it. Google proves people have been searching for it. In fact, it is one of humanity's oldest pursuits. Happiness. We are wealthier, more educated, and live longer than any previous generation. As a nation, we are one of the wealthiest, most powerful, most technologically advanced, and in the most recent world happiness report, the United States ranked 17th. During the Great Depression, we were 18% less depressed than we are right now.
Happiness comes from hard work, right? Wrong. Research proves that happiness is a precursor to success. Neuroscience proves that we are hardwired to perform at our best when we are happy. Studies show that happy, positive and optimistic people, earn higher incomes, experience less stress, set and achieve more aggressive goals, are more energetic, recover from illness faster, and live longer.
Happiness is a serious business, and there is only one way to attain it. In the words of Eckhart Tolle, “the primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation, but your thoughts about it”. No matter how much we optimize our lives, we will never have control over the stimulus. However, the one thing no one can ever take away from us is our ability to choose our response. How you feel and your attitude about life all stem from your thoughts and actions, and where you focus your time and energy. If you focus your energy on being positive rather than negative, the less chance you have of letting those negative emotions rule you, and the weaker they will become. Choosing positivity and happiness can create a world with more peace and optimism. I believe that it is possible.
Happiness is so simple. So simple, in fact, that we often miss it. In this materialistic and superficial society, how do we know if we are truly happy? We keep working towards it, because to us, what we have is never good enough. We are constantly trying to secure it. Many people misunderstand and think their purpose in life is their profession. But the truth is it is much simpler. Having purpose is being able to do what is meaningful to you. Some people believe their purpose is to be a mother, a teacher, or a musician. My purpose is to generate, create, modify, heal, inspire, and guide. I want to make a difference by helping others. The happiest people contribute to something greater than themselves.
Happiness comes from inside you. When we engage in positive real life relationships our body releases chemicals that help reduce anxiety and increase concentration focus. One positive person can spread happiness to over one thousand people. By spreading happiness, you actually become happier. You can choose happiness and choose to spread it.
Happiness can only be now, it is the only time that truly exists. Everyone only has a certain amount of time on earth. I do not want to live my life saying, “I’ll be happy when...” I want to live in the moment. I want to be happy now, don’t you?
