Quashing myths about Happiness

Simply telling someone “Be happy” wouldn’t make them happy. Some people buy into several myths or misconceptions about happiness, without consideration.

There are beliefs that certain achievement are necessary, in order to be happy. These so-called achievement include a good/well-paid job, a dream house, kids, perfect body size/shape, marriage, a brand new car, etc.

Truth be told, you don’t have to be in a relationship, be it dating or marriage, to be happy. Same goes for riches. You don’t have to be Jeff Bezos (Amazon) to be happy.

Happiness is not a fleeting feeling, as you have been made to believe. It can be long-term. And long-term happiness doesn’t come from external sources.

Long-term happiness, also known as true happiness, requires you to rely on yourself. Whenever you find yourself leaning towards unhappiness, it is good to find a way to lean back to happiness.

Failures, trials, or challenges, such as divorce, bad health, debts/financial worries, shouldn’t steal your happiness completely.

Probably, you haven’t realise that happiness is not the goal. Happiness is the journey.

A truly happy person, can be said to be one, who see tough times as temporary situations and stepping stones. They accept the way things are, and focus on what is enjoyable about the experience. They acknowledge gratitude as the key.

Often, we confuse happiness with excitement. Most people are under the impression that happiness must look and feel a certain way. Stop focusing too much on specific things.

We may get happiness from material possessions, such as the feeling you get, when you finally bought your dream house, or when you acquired that fast and furious car. But honestly, this type of happiness can not sustain you.

Who sold you the idea that finding the perfect love partner, or finding a life purpose, will make you happy?

I’m aware it is very unrealistic to be happy all the time. But would you rather spend a greater number of your life feeling miserable?

People have this warped mindset, that you aren’t suppose to be happy, during your trying times. You don’t have to be as healthy as an athlete, or married, with kids, to be happy.

What happens when you finally get married, then probably, after two to three years, the happiness fades away? Are you going to say to yourself “There must be something wrong somewhere?”

There is this belief, that when we reach a certain level, of what is termed “success,” we will be happy. In this aspect, having lots of cash in the bank, is the key to happiness. When they eventually become “successful,” they leap into the air, and scream “Yes..!!”

Sit…back…down.

Having a fat wallet is not a ticket to long-term happiness. Your quality of mind, matters a lot. Long-lasting happiness doesn’t give a hoot about your money.

You might also be thinking “Although I’m not happy now, I will definitely be happy, when I recover fully from my ill-health.

“What…exactly…is…going…on?

You don’t have to put your happiness on hold, until when you finally get a solution. If you live your life trying to reserve or preserve it for a better day, when will that be? Ten years, twenty?

People want the perfect life, so as to be happy; a loving wife or husband, disciplined children, a dog named Jack, and no worries. Is it really possible to have your optimal conditions met?

Quash those misconceptions right now.

What difference does it make, when you receive a $5,000 jewellery, as a birthday gift, from your love partner, instead of a $50,000 jewellery? Does the price tag devalue the love expressed? You need to think twice, before feeling disappointed.

Regarding kindness, some people believe if you’re not kind to others, you can not be happy. Although the act of kindness, helps to increase our happiness, but that doesn’t mean it is a guarantee to long-lasting happiness. It is completely up to you to be happy. Happiness is a choice.

Do you think everyone deserve to be happy?

Do you believe you don’t deserve happiness,, due to the fact you’re an ex-convict? How about forgiving yourself, and starting a new chapter? Haven’t you pay for your crime?

Don’t rule out completely, the possibility of happiness, due to your past mistakes, or circumstances. Don’t deny yourself this basic right.

How do you respond to challenges? Is it 95 percent unhappiness, and 5 percent happiness, or the other way around?

Whatever you choose to focus on, becomes part of your life. We can change our lives, simply by changing our mindset.