Every normal person wants to be happy. Yet, the faces of workers, travelers, shoppers and others more often reflect worry, sadness or apathy; not happiness. Why? Well, the pace of life in our generation is faster than ever before and the pressures of daily living are greater. People find that time quickly slips by as they try to get things done. Consequently, some feel having happiness as a regular part of life, now and in the future, often seems like an impossible dream. So what can be done to attain some happiness in our hectic lives?
There are many ways you can find happiness but we will only discuss three points. They include the following:
First, consider the alternatives. Almost all of us can think of some tragedy that would lessen the happiness we have at this moment. That being so, it means that we do have a measure of happiness now, without such tragedies having happened. So, while we may not feel very happy about our condition in life, it helps us to realize that we are usually better off than we have imagined. Appreciating what we have surely would include appreciating life itself. While you may have many problems that can be depressing, you still would rather be alive than dead, would you not? So the next time you are feeling sad, remember to say: “I am glad to be alive.”
Second, happiness requires work. While it may seem desirable not to have to work at all, that is not really the case. If everything were somehow miraculously done for us, life would become incredibly boring. The reason is that we were made to thrive on a proper amount of activity. While the work you do may seem uninteresting or unimportant, does it not make a contribution to your existence, for example, helping to pay your bills? Then it is important to you. And it is important to society in general, for if all the seemingly routine or “dull” jobs were eliminated, how long would society continue to function? True, your work may not be as desirable as someone else’s. But it almost always makes some contribution, not only to your welfare, but to that of others also. If you look at it that way, you can feel some satisfaction in trying to do your job well.
Lastly, our relationship with others. We cannot truly be happy without the friendship, affection, warmth and understanding that comes from people. True, in some places, such as crowded cities, one might at times wish that all the people would disappear. However, who would really want to be completely alone? While that may sound appealing for a little while, the fact is that we cannot find genuine happiness without other people, even if we are disappointed or angered by them at times. Yet, it is not merely having others around us that brings happiness. What really matters is our showing love, a vital ingredient needed for happiness. And the kind of love, the kind that will bring the best results, is a love based on right principles, as well as being warm and affectionate.
Therefore, a measure of genuine happiness is possible but to enjoy it requires real effort.
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