Happy [hap-ee] : characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy
A simple word with a meaning far from, happy is. Ask a million people what it means to be happy and where one can find happiness, and you’ll get a million different answers. Although this is true, I think it’s safe to say that the happy life is a goal of nearly everyone; something we’re all searching for.
It would be wrong of me to tell you how exactly to be happy, because, well, we are all different people. And that's the thing about happiness – it's a very personal thing, having nothing to do with anyone else and their opinions. Who’s to say what makes me happy will also make you happy?
While there is no step-by-step method to achieving the happy life, there's general guideline, so to say, and the first bullet point on that guideline is simple. Happiness is not a destination. The happy life is not a place you search for, for it is not static. Rather, it’s a journey – a journey where you constantly grow, change, and learn.
Another misconception about the happy life is the thought that happiness can be bought. Happiness is a way of life. It's a way of living with gratitude and love for everything and everyone around you. We forget that the art of happiness is not a result of getting something we don’t have. There’s nothing consumable, wearable, or buyable about it. Rather, it’s authenticity, individuality, appreciation, and looking beyond imperfections. It’s loving life for what it is right now - not tomorrow, or next year, or in 10 years.
You have everything you need to create happiness right now. Notice I did not say find. Search for the happy life and you'll be searching your whole life. Generate from within. We've all heard the saying "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence," but if you ask me, this simply isn't true. What do sides of fences have to do with anything anyway? The grass is greener where you water it. It’s easy to point at others, see a smile on their face perhaps, and materialistic things they own and think they have a happier life. It’s easy to notice others, to have concern for what others have that you don’t, and to perceive their happiness. Water your grass, tend to your garden and grow your own happiness.
Another uniquely special aspect of happiness is the fact that it's so dependent on perspectives. The act of being happy is directly related to your mindset, which is a pretty magical thing. Look at something from a different angle and the thing you're looking at changes. And while on the subject of perspectives, take a minute to notice how small you, and your problems, are in this world. Everything we perceive as awful is really very insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Your big problems in life are only problems if you believe they are – if you look at it at the wrong angle. Change your angle, change your mindset, and change your world. Like I said…magic.
Perhaps the last, and most important step to the happy life is to appreciate the beautiful little things that make up your life. A puzzle is not one large image, but a complex and work of art composed of many tiny pieces. Appreciate all the little things that make up your life, for they really are not little things. Stop and smell the roses, but also stop and smell the air after a thunderstorm. Let the feeling of walking barefoot through the grass awaken you. Notice the sun shining through tree leaves, the smell of cookies in the oven, and smiles on passing strangers. Feel the freedom of driving with the windows rolled down, and smile at the pure joy on your dog’s face as you return home.
Every day you wake up with a decision of whether or not you want to be happy. Appreciate what you have, change up your perspectives if needed, and show love to imperfections. Happiness is simple. Happiness is magic.
If you want to be happy, so be it.
