Happiness is one of the most misunderstood words in our vocabulary, yet we continually search for it all of our lives. Sometimes without fully understanding where or how to find it.

The dictionary tells us that happiness is ‘a state of wellbeing’.

Happiness is not just about feeling good all the time, nor is it about being wealthy and having everything you want. Riches and happiness do not always go hand in hand.

Happiness can be many things to many different people. I have found in my life that happiness is not a destination; to me, it is a journey.

I think that there are two types of happiness, which I call the outer happiness and the inner happiness.

The outer happiness depends mainly on our own wants and needs. In this case, I think that this type of happiness we experience is conditional.

We are happy when we are with family and friends that we love, but when they are no longer with us, we are sad and have the feeling of loss.

We are gatherers by nature, and most people work very hard and do without to obtain a nice home and a comfortable lifestyle. Having nice possessions around us also brings the feeling of happiness, when we lose these things again we feel the sadness of loss.

The inner happiness comes from joy, contentment, making others smile and having a meaningful and worthwhile life.

I found that when I was being productive and connected to others, I experienced a feeling of meaningfulness and happiness.

I think that meaningfulness and happiness go hand in hand, the more we experience this we seem to be happier within ourselves. To be able to give without expecting can bring a joy within us. Giving of our time is the most precious gift of all. Making those around us feel needed and appreciated also gives us a more purposeful feeling to our life.
I am the happiest when I see my family and friends enjoying life and sharing their happiness and love with those around them.

When we live life with an open mind, a willingness to listen and help others with a loving heart, we create not only happiness around us but also within us. This type of happiness seems to grow within and brings a feeling of contentment, fulfilment, and wellbeing.

No one is happy all the time. We all have down times, and that is part of life.

It is at these times when we need a friend, someone willing to listen. This is what makes us human. Going through these tough times encourages us to want to reach out to others, and to pursue an even greater sense of meaning, purpose and deep satisfaction in our lives.

‘Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.’- Franklin D. Roosevelt.

They say that laughter is a sign of happiness because you can’t feel sad and laugh at the same time. Laughter is contagious. The happier we are, the happier the people around us seem to be.

Make happiness a part of your life and part of the life of others around you.

There is an old saying ‘Smile, and the world smiles with you.’

– Nancy.