Finding Happiness in 9, Okay 7, Steps

Happiness is not a thing. So, while it cannot technically be found, or lost for that matter, it is something everyone is looking for. I won’t delve into the biological, psychological, religious, or philosophical definitions of happiness, but it does appear they all agree that happiness is a state of mind, that your state of mind is a choice, and that your mind can’t be in more than one state at a time.

Try this exercise, “While stating aloud your full given name, simultaneously count to 10 in your mind”. You will notice that you cannot do it. Why, because only one thought can occupy your mind at any given time. Again, not going into the science behind this, but it should suffice that the mind can only entertain one thought at any moment. The same principle applies to happiness, if you are happy, you cannot simultaneously be sad, angry, lonely, or in any other way not happy.

So what can you do to remain in a happy state of mind? Here are 7 steps that spell out HAPPINESS.

Help Others 

Tolstoy wrote that “Nothing can make our lives, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness”. So why not strive for beauty, isn’t it better than becoming so wrapped up in ourselves that we are a small package.

Acknowledge Good Everywhere

The act of gratitude is acknowledging the good in our surroundings and experiences. Gratitude helps us see or situation without the emotion or panic that often paralyzes action. It helps us to see the world as one of possibilities rather than restrictions.

Proper Perspective

Perspective has to do with how we see things, or regard situations, facts, etc, and judge their relative importance. The serenity prayer sums this up by asking God to “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” 

Improve Always

You’re not perfect and there is so much to learn, do, and share. It also helps to improve your perspective and gives you more to acknowledge.

Never Give Up

If it was worthwhile before, it’s probably still worthwhile when things seem tough. Besides, if you give up, you will never know how close you are to success. 

Expect Good Things

Why not? Life is full of opportunity and plenty of others are succeeding. So why not you? The saying “Good things come to those who wait” never indicates how long you have to wait, so why not expect it now, and if not now, don’t give up. 

Serve Selflessly

Full circle, help others, but choose to do it with a smile. Lose yourself in those you are helping and you will find yourself.

Happiness is not something you find, but rather a choice about your state of mind and the way you wish to live. Be happy, it’s fun, it’s beautiful… and the other options, really aren’t that great.