Happiness is about being in a positive emotional state that radiates from within and then outward. This state can be either long-term or short-term. You might have noticed that some people seem to always be happy and never sad, while others struggle to find happiness. I recall a movie where a man who was always harsh and hostile suddenly became friendly and happy. People around him began to ask if he was dying or had a near-death experience. There are many instances where you can probably relate to the concept of happiness, either in your life or someone else's. Today, I want to discuss a few myths about happiness.
Happiness is Determined by Circumstances
The thing about myths is that some hold a grain of truth, while others don't. When people say that circumstances determine happiness, it's important to note that some individuals, despite being in difficult situations, manage to maintain a positive mindset. This doesn't mean they never feel bad, but they have a unique ability to find something positive in every situation.
Happiness Comes from Material Possessions
There's always a sense of satisfaction that comes from having all your needs met. In my culture, we often refer to this as living a "soft life." However, if you ask some of these people, you'll find that they may still not be truly happy. In fact, sometimes it's evident without even asking, and you might think, "But this person has everything they want."
Happiness Means Being Joyful and Excited All the Time
Really? If you meet a well-known happy person at work or in your community, they'll likely tell you that they also have times when they feel sad and down. Additionally, some people might not always appear joyful or excited, but they are still genuinely happy.
There are many more myths about happiness, but the bottom line for me today is that happiness comes from within. It's independent of possessions, circumstances, or constantly being joyful and excited. I see happiness as a decision one has to make—to be ready for anything yet live as though nothing bad will happen.
Decide to take charge of your atmosphere, choose to be content yet strive for more, and choose to accept who you are while working to become a better version of yourself. When you're happy inside, it flows outward.
Ciao!