Happiness: More Than Positive Thoughts

The dictionary defines happiness as “the state of being happy”. But this tells us very little about the idea or feeling of, or state of happiness. Most people who know me know that I don’t like the word happy. Not because it’s a bad word but because the word is subjective. Happiness is very, very subjective and happy or happiness means a lot of different things to every person. What one calls happy another may not see it that same way.

Let’s look at some different things that happiness can be, but realize that in truth, happiness is in the mind of  each individual person.  Happiness is not just positive thoughts that you think.

Some people are happy when…

• Their Needs are Met – When a person is happy, they usually don’t even have any needs that aren’t being met to the level they want them to be met. Now this can mean different things to different people. It doesn’t mean that someone is not having a hard time it’s all about how you make what you have fill your needs.
• When They Feel Satisfied – When you are happy you tend to feel simply satisfied with your life.  When you think about your life and feel good about it you feel satisfied. You feel satisfied when you look around your life and see all the blessings of the Lord, where you live, the people you live with and more.
• When They Feel Content – A happy person tends to feel really content about the things in their life. They feel content about their job, their home, their things, their health – nothing is nagging at their mind about anything causing stress. But remember happy people do have stress, they’re just better at feeling content even when things aren’t perfect.
• When They Are at Peace – A happy person often feels a lot of peace surrounding their life and family. They tend to know that everything will turn out okay and are good at turning negativity around to positivity. They know the God of peace and know that He is all they need.
• Live By Their own Definition – The truth is, happiness is how you define it personally for you. It’s not about getting more things. It’s not about having more money or the best career. It’s not about finding a spouse unless you want that. It’s not about having kids unless you want that. It’s all up to you and how you define happiness for your own life.
• Realize it’s A Journey – Happiness is not a destination that you get to one day and stay at. It’s a lifelong journey of discovery about yourself, life and others that will have many ups and downs and struggles.  You discover happiness.
• It’s How You Act – When you are happy you tend to act in more positive ways. When happy, you eat better, you move more, you think differently. You don’t worry. You have it in your power to be happy where you are in your life right now. You don’t have to wait to be happy to act happy.

Happiness is more than thinking positive thoughts as I said.  Happiness is having your needs met, but it’s not about having everything, or even the best. It’s about being satisfied with what you have while also being able to work for the things you want. While you do have to do more than think positively to really and truly feel happy, it does start with your thoughts. However, it will manifest with your actions.

Think about the happiness in your life….

Try to define it……

Then not worry about whether you are happy or not…. enjoy life where you are and what you have.