Are You Happy? - What Can You Do About It?

What is happiness

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens sang Julie Andrews of her favorite things, but are things what really make us happy? I suspect that none of us would cite an object as happiness, but rather the sense that we have when we touch or are near the object or are immersed in the experience. For each of these things will be different, perhaps it evokes memories of a time in our lives we would like to remember; perhaps it represents the attainment of a goal.

Happiness though is more than things, it's more than friends; there is a sense of wholeness of being at one with the universe. Happiness changes throughout our lives. What makes us happy as a small child will be different to what will make us happy in our teenage years or in later life. Whether that is you are in harmony with the universe or something smaller like your family or a partner. Unusual times can make us happy many people cite World War 2 as one of the happiest time because despite the rationing and the bombing there was the Blitz spirit a sense of all being in it together, a camaraderie.

Unhappiness

Sometimes in our lives, we are dealt a blow and happiness seems like it is gone forever. Bereavement and loss are two good examples of when our lives are not going well. Perhaps we are unhappy with life or our career and we are not enjoying our lives. Is it possible to find happiness again?

Trying to analyze what makes you happy can be difficult, I know as I offer counseling in Glasgow that many people find it helpful to get some clarity and direction speaking to a trained counselor. A counselor can help, finding the blocks to your happiness and helping you to take action to move around or over them, towards a satisfying happy life. Perhaps for you it is about contentment or inner peace. Many people talk about finding a good work-life balance. A counselor can help you feel good about who you are and what you are doing or help you make plans to change your life in ways you have dreamed of.

There are things that you can do to help yourself

Look for successes in your life. Often where we have worked hard perhaps achieved more than was expected of us or you have overcome an obstacle to get to your success. Celebrate that success feel satisfied at a job well done.

Exercise is well recognized as something that improves our mood. The exercise helps the body to release the body's feel good hormones, endorphins. Remember that the exercise doesn't have to be a gym or high intensity - going for a walk will work.

Helping others can help us to feel good about ourselves. In part because we have the capacity to help others, in part because it can show us a perspective on our own lives and finally the social contact can make us happy as we enjoy others company

While family and friends are often seen as a source of problems in our lives, there can be very positive experiences with them too. Perhaps a shared memory of an event, perhaps the fun of planning the next event, even re-living experiences through photos.

Many of us will have a hobby, mine happens to be model railways, but others enjoy dancing, stamp collecting, football and many other activities. Time spent on our passions can pass quickly and easily as we enjoy the activity. Often that can be shared with others who have the same interest and many happy hours can be had sharing ideas.

In summary

We all have the capacity for happiness, and when we remember that feeling we are filled with a sense of well-being. Happiness for most people will change throughout our lives and at times can be very difficult to find. There are simple steps that you can take to improve your unique happiness, and people like friends, family and counselors to help you if the journey is too difficult to take on your own. I hope that you find peace and happiness.