Only Happiness...can make me happy

"Our life is the creation of our mind. If one speaks or acts with pure mind - happiness follows one as his own shadow that never leaves" - Zen Wisdom

Happiness is a feeling of joy and contentment but to describe its true essence is a difficult task, as happiness means different things to different people. For some, it means to be surrounded by loving family and friends or to watch their children grow, for others it could be a walk in the forest or a suitcase full of money. We all know the ancient saying that.."money can't buy you happiness". The response to this statement will also differ. Some will acknowledge this as the truth but others might say..."the ancients obviously didn't know where to shop". In truth it does matter what makes you happy, the important fact is that you actually can embrace that feeling. The reason for your happiness is not essential on the larger scale, but the outcome or result is of great importance. This is the difference between feelings of contentment in life and constant struggle or depression. We are always striving to achieve the feeling of equilibrium and satisfaction by relying on materialistic means or waiting for others to provide us with it. People often say - "I can't be happy because my spouse, my father...children...mother-in-law...boss...friend...my black cat...uncle Fred...make my life miserable and complicated".

"We do not see things as they are - we see things as we are" - Plato - Greek Philosopher

The reliance on the provision of happiness from others creates emotional dependency and reliance, making the relationship conditional. Living in the materialistic world, we totally depend on the accumulation of wealth because it is good for the ego.

"Money or happiness; which is more valuable? If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy" - Lao Tzu - Taoist Teacher

The ego based approach to life, lies in the lack of self worth or self acceptance. We tend to accumulate wealth and possessions in order to make ourselves acceptable, recognized and respected in our society. Enough is never enough and we always strive for more. The more we have, the more we want but somehow there is always something missing.

"The interesting thing about possessions is that although the underlying motive is to seek satisfaction, the irony is that even after obtaining the object of your desire, you are still not satisfied. The antidote to this issue is contentment. If you have a strong sense of contentment it does not matter whether you obtain the object or not, either way, you are still content" - Dalai Lama - Tibetan Spiritual Leader

We are often trying to replace or substitute "the missing link" with something else. Retail therapy works well. It is a great mood stimulant and provides the justification for our motive. People shop for different reasons but most of us shop to "reward" ourselves for emptiness in our lives or for the hardship endured. Encouragement is not necessary as we are being easily manipulated by the media and clever marketing campaigns, only to discover that at the end of our shopping expedition, our happiness was short lived. The simple truth is - if we are not capable or prepared to find happiness in ourselves by looking deep into our being, then the "rat race" will never be over, the competition will become stronger and we will never be free of feelings of inadequacy, resulting in the lack of satisfaction and contentment.

"The answer to happiness resides in your soul" - Aristotle - Greek Philosopher

True happiness is to appreciate the joy of the simple things in life. It resides in people of strong character, as they don't blame others for their troubles and can usually re-trace their own actions, feelings, emotions and thoughts. They will look at themselves first, before complaining about an unhappy life.

"If you do not choose to be happy - no one can make you happy. Do not blame God for that! And if you choose to be happy - on one can make you unhappy" - Sandra Biskind - Christian Scholar

The understanding of this simple truth is that no one has the power to provide you with happiness and no one can take away or detract from it. The essence of true happiness lies in the understanding of "self", by not allowing adverse thoughts or improper actions to affect you or others.

"The secret to my own happiness and my good fortune lies within my hands" - Dalai Lama - Tibetan Spiritual Leader

- Happiness is not to be confused with pleasure. Pleasure is always temporary and dependent on external objects, circumstances or situations.

Happiness is not a gift - happiness is a state of mind.