‘I just want to be happy’ – it’s a phrase that I hear often and is a phrase that we debated in one of my undergraduate classes this week. However, what does ‘happiness’ mean? Is it quantifiable or describable? How would you know when you have reached happiness?
The reality is that ‘happiness’ may be something that is not ever fully achieved due to a continuous rising bar……if only I had a bit more money, another holiday, more time’…..
Instead, we could re-frame the quest to achieving happiness and instead seek ‘contentment’. Contentment enables us to recognise what may still be nice to have in our life but allows us to appreciate and be satisfied with the here and now.
This doesn’t detract from working towards making positive changes but it diminishes the ‘chasing’ and ‘need’.
Reflect through your own lens…are you chasing or able to take inventory of what currently surrounds you?
Elaine says:
So so true Sonia
Thanks for sharing. Here is my take on happpiness 🙂
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/elainemmason_humanleadership-peoplefirst-positiveculture-activity-7394698110075318272-MEDP?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAA7P-HYBt-rsDvFksNmmxpSwNhi5N-rCMYI
sonia ozkaya says:
Great read, Elaine. Thank you – some interesting perspectives noted.