Happiness is one of life's most sought states, yet it's often elusive.
One authority defines happiness as “a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life, one with a sense of meaning and deep contentment.”
You've probably gone through times when you wondered why your life is less than happy. Seekers of happiness often view it as something to be found at some idealized future time.
But what if happiness is not “out there” someplace and is dependent upon what we acquire or achieve?
Instead, what if happiness is a state of well-being to be discovered within us, and that is rooted in contentment, compassion and love?
“In the end, loving and being love. That’s what happiness is.”
-“Happiness” from “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.”
Here are four key attitudes that can unlock doors to discover the happiness within you.
1. Be positive. Although you’ll have difficult times, look for a positive outcome or lesson to be learned.
Avoid focusing on the negative aspects of a situation or event. You may have no control or ability to change what happened. But you always have the power to decide how you respond.
When you think positively, you can remain confident and content regardless of the situation. You believe your future is rarely defined by what happens to you in the present or past.
2. Be grateful. It's easy to overlook the blessings in your life. Negative circumstances can cloud your vision. But when you possess an "attitude of gratitude," you'll find a sense of happiness that carries you through gloomy days.
Make time during your day to meditate on the things for which you are thankful. At the end of that session, you may feel a sense of contentment. That represents happiness from knowing that you’re truly blessed.
A grateful attitude helps you be satisfied with what you have, instead of wishing you were in someone else's shoes.
3. Be kind. Many of us misunderstand kindness. True kindness is often experienced when you sacrifice something you have and want in order to meet someone else's needs.
How many times have you been truly kind today? You'll recognize true kindness from the warmth you feel after sharing something material or even a kind word.
Approaching others from a heart of kindness allows you to deal with situations without getting angry. Happiness thrives in the absence of anger or desire.
4. Be forgiving. It's easy to let feelings of hurt and anger restrict your desire to forgive others. But it's necessary to forgive in order to live a truly happy life.
- Practicing forgiveness helps you to grow and lead a happy, mature life free from bitterness.
- When you forgive, you let go of your pain. Letting go makes room for peace of mind. That peace is confirmed in contentment and happiness.
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These four attitudes are keys that will unlock the barriers blocking you from you discovering the happiness within you. Make an intention to live these attitudes as actions each day.
Resources
What is Happiness?
Image by Fathromi Ramdlon from Pixabay