What I Know About Happiness

21 Lessons from 3 Years of Searching

Photo by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash

1. It is not attached to status
2. The definition differs from person to person
3. It is a choice as well as a state of mind
4. It is increased by gratitude
5. It manifests only when you look for it
6. Nature increases it
7. Chase what you feel will bring you happiness. You’ll either learn that it wasn’t for you or you will be wildly successful.
8. It is not always found where it’s expected
9. It is a process, not a one time destination
10. Since happiness depends on perspective, our brains must be retrained to stay away from negativity and to reframe situations.
11. It comes down to noticing the little things in life. Enjoying little things and taking positive action. Happiness hinges on these two things
12. No one else has the ability to make you happy. Neither do circumstances. You alone have that choice.
13. It can be crowded out by an over-packed to do list
14. Happiness is not tied to yesterday. Let go of the past when it’s time to let go
15. Happy people tend to be more generous and looking for ways to contribute to others
16. Happiness makes change easier.
17. It smells like a mixture of old books and vanilla candles
18. It hides within the few layers of simple living
19. It’s only through trials and hard days that happiness can be fully appreciated.
20. Forget the entire sink of cosmetics, true beauty is found within the heart and soul.
21. You can find it more easily when you give to others around you than when you worry about receiving