When I was younger, I used to believe that happiness was achievable based on wealth and status. I thought that as long as I was earning millions of dollars, lived in a huge mansion, owned dozens of cars, and other materialistic possessions, I’d be the happiest person in the world.
I was wrong.
I often hear the questions: “How can I be happy?”, “What do I need to do or become to achieve the happiness that others are experiencing?”
I’m going to start off by saying that everyone’s happiness is different, and only YOU can define your OWN happiness. What may give happiness to someone, may not provide the same happiness to you, and what may bring you happiness may not be the same for someone else.
It’s taken me a while to figure out what my definition of happiness is, and surprisingly, the answers have been right in front of me all this time.
My happiness is home, gratitude, stability, and inspiration.
Home isn’t about where I am in the world or if I’m living in a big mansion. Home is being surrounded by those I love and cherish. Home is having a roof over my head with tons of memorable photos framed across the walls. Home is peaceful, warm, safe, and comfortable.
Gratitude is patience. Gratitude is being happy for others and their achievements, while patiently waiting for my own blessings to come in. Gratitude is living in the now. Gratitude is being grateful for everything I’ve accomplished, and remaining humble for every huge milestone I’ve received.
Stability is comfort. Stability assures me that I’m greeted with my professional and personal necessities while having room for additional excitement and experiences. Stability is provided. Stability is helping those in need and sharing my blessings with those I love and cherish.
Inspiration is being inspired and to inspire. Inspiration is motivating others to follow their journey and discover the strengths and passions they have within themselves. Inspiration is everywhere. Inspiration is looking outward and within ourselves. Inspiration is stepping out of our comfort zones and venturing to places unknown.
Sometimes, in order to find what brings us happiness, we need to let go of overthinking. We need to let go of the idea that materialistic possessions are the main source of our happiness.
Instead, we need to slow down our days and pay attention to even the tiniest things that brings a genuine smile to our face and warmth to our hearts.
The answer isn’t always obvious. It may take days or weeks to have that epiphany, but your happiness is and always will be with you.
Of course, it doesn’t show itself without hard work and believing in it.
Happiness also doesn’t come from and rarely isn’t because of anyone else, exceptions, at least for me, are your child(ren). Other than them, the bulk of your happiness is yours, and yours alone. You don’t need anyone to validate what brings you happiness.
And so, to answer the question, “Have I found my happiness?”
Yes.
Am I living through it?
A little bit, and I’m moving forward with it more and more each day.
Right now, I’m happy with where I’m at and what I’ve achieved. And I’m grateful for everything I was and everything I am.
There’s no limit to anyone’s happiness. And with a little bit of searching and believing, anyone can find their own.
