On happiness

Thoughts and Opinions

Things for me, lately, have been overwhelming. I am going through some stress and, unfortunately, I don’t do stress very well. I have recently learned that I am a Highly Sensitive Person. Actually, this is something that I’ve known about myself all of my life, I am just finding out that there is a name for it. And that I’m not alone (which is great!). But more on this in another blog post. What I want to talk about today is happiness.

I am finding myself lately trying to fit into that box that society calls “normal.” Frankly, I am not really sure what that is. In my head I think it is being happy. Society says that we should be happy. That if we aren’t happy something is wrong with us.  I find myself falling easily into this thought groove. Then someone or something comes along and reminds me that happiness isn’t the be all and end all.

There is something very freeing about this thought. I don’t have to always be happy. Wow. That takes a load off. There is a lot of pressure and work in  being happy all of the time.

I think for me the best thing is to focus on what is right in front of me at any given moment. I can do that. Sometimes, anything beyond  the given moment can be overwhelming. Today is one of those days. Today I need to just focus on what is right in front of me.

I find that when I do that I can be content. Content is good. In many ways I think I’d rather be content than happy.

 

17 thoughts on “On happiness

  1. Sounds like you’re making good progress in finding contentment, it’s sadly not always possible to answer or solve everything, instead you have to accept things. So hard, but the result can be life changing – keep going!!

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    1. Thank you so much James! I am feeling a bit better. I am giving myself a break from facebook/instagram/flickr/twitter, etc. and after a day away I feel l like my head is cleared a little. At least enough to get me to write a blog post 🙂

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  2. I was feeling so sad yesterday (I am having trouble dealing with a chronic illness) when I saw this post that I wasn’t game to read it but it was uplifting for me once I had the courage to get to it. I think what you said about focusing on the now is like a practice I am trying to perfect which is called mindfulness. Just being mindful of what you are doing in any given moment, whether it be the process of making a cup of tea and really listening, looking, smelling and tasting your way with care throughout, (from filling the kettle to your first sip) or whether it is a walk where you engage all your senses in a conscious way etc. can change things emotionally. Doing that for a few minutes per day gives you relief from external pressures that can flow into many other parts of your life. Good luck, Moni. I love your posts and wish you all the very best. Katherine

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    1. Katherine, thank you so much for you comment. I am so sorry you were feeling sad! Yes, mindfulness! that is exactly what I am trying to do too. Sometimes it can be difficult – especially for me because of this depression. I have trouble with the repeating obsessive thoughts. but making an effort helps a lot with that circular thinking that gets me into trouble. Thank you so much for your kind words. I wish you all the best, as well! and I love your blog too!

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