When looking at happiness, the following quote sums up what I believe to be key to finding your own happiness. “Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.” Unknown
Happiness is one of the most difficult things to achieve. Yes, I say achieve because it is not something that can be found, but is a state of mind that is accomplished by the recognition of the good things in your life. Happiness can not be provided from an external source such as a new relationship, a sudden monetary windfall, or getting what you want in life. These things are all exciting or even fun in the moment of execution or receipt, but are all temporary states of happiness.
True happiness can arise from some of the most difficult and challenging situations. This happiness is the source of having identified the things that are most important in the face of the most adverse situations. It comes with the recognition of knowing that you have everything you need in life, which are the most basic and simple gifts that came with birth. Air in your lungs, people to love and those that love you. Having friends with whom you can rejoice in the memories, both good and bad. It is accepting flaws without judgement and looking past them to see how you can contribute to your relationships in a positive way.
Happiness is being perfectly okay with who you are, how you feel, and knowing what you want from your life. It is being the change you seek if you are not happy or accepting that some things you can not change. Acknowledging your feelings with your life and being okay to live in your own life and skin. Life is not perfect, is seldom pretty, but is without a doubt an amazing experience to be lived. That's right...LIVED. With good comes bad, with happiness comes sadness, with love comes pain. But it is the existence of sadness and pain that help us appreciate the good and the love and the happiness.
Are you happy with all of these things? Are you happy with you? Are you living your life? I sure hope so, because by living your life you are capable of finding the change necessary for your own happiness. In closing, embrace what Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.”
To happiness! :)
