Can True Happiness Be Defined?

Happiness is one of the most commonly used words. We all say – the children look so happy. I am very happy today. You don’t look happy. Any reason? How to make a happy world? How to avoid sad feelings and feel happy?  The discussion about happiness is endless. Does science give a common definition of happiness? General answers are available that say that happiness is a state when one feels good, elated , contented, good etc. Is happiness a life long gift or an emotion experienced for a short time.

If you win the lottery, you will be happy. As you spend all the money, you become unhappy again. When you’re called  a good person, You feel happy. If you feel sick, you  feel unhappy and when you receive healing you feel happy. We have no control. Outside forces and events control our emotions. 

Let us find out what is not happiness. Low self esteem, feelings of despondency, sadness, guilt, helplessness, frustration, low interest, uncertainty, and all such negative emotions are not happy emotions. They rather make us unhappy. 

Now let us talk about what happiness is. Feeling good, cheerful outlook, positive thoughts, winning attitudes, satisfied living, enjoyment, and all such emotions that make us feel good are happy feelings. What is true happiness?

True happiness is enjoying your own company and living in peace and harmony with your body, mind and soul. To be truly happy, you don’t need other people or material things. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort and living a life of purpose. When you touch lives or someone smiles just because of you, you’re happy. True happiness is that inner satisfaction you have knowing that someone out there enjoys a privilege as a result of your input and efforts in their lives.

 So happiness is not something that we feel in equal measure. I may be very happy when I watch the star lit night, just like the men of old when they saw the brilliant star that led them to baby Jesus, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. So each one of us has his/her own happiness.

Some of us are happy when our prayers are answered, some when they can do a lot of creative work, some when they can make others feel good and so on. All of us have our unique set of values and desires. So find what makes you happy and live a fulfilled life.