Happiness, for many of us, is a vague term. What constitutes happiness? Is it something that can be defined objectively, or does it exceed categorizations and operates as its own entity based on each person?
Personally, I believe happiness to be entirely subjective, meaning it differs for everyone. What makes me happy may not necessarily make someone else feel the same way, and vice versa. Definitions aside, though, I truly think many of us are living our lives in the absence of happiness.
Whether it be in the context of our job, our family, friends, finances or lifestyle overall, it’s easy to lose sight of what once brought us joy and instead focus on what doesn’t. Life is unpredictable, and negativity is ultimately inevitable, and becoming isolated from something that once made us happy is something that far too many of us can relate to.
I think it would benefit all of us to take a step back and re-identify the things that allow us to feel happy. It won’t happen overnight, but making a conscious effort to prioritize our happiness is arguably one of the best things we can do for ourselves. Making small changes can lead to big ones, and sometimes an overhaul is required to better understand how to go about living a happier life.
The following quote is titled The Paradoxical Commandments, and I think it’s a great motivator for being truly happy. I encourage you to think about it and consider what it means to you.
The Paradoxical Commandments
“People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.”
ontheedgeofeverything 