Article by Make The Days Contributor Chris Bennett

 

Happiness is fundamental root of all things that are good in your mind. Life is too short to be with out it, so how do you make the best of it every day?

The content of your own happiness should come from within, despite all external hindrances. How hard is it to be truly happy if you hate your job? Stuck in a dead in relationship? Or simply feel like you are mulling along in life and selling yourself short?  Genuine happiness is balance of responsibility and satisfaction.

 

Is happiness biological? Sure it is. Is it part metaphysical? Possibly. Is it psychological? Yes. The mentality of contentment is complex in nature yet simply beautiful.

A person’s own knowledge of his or her persona thought process (called metacognition), can be a good starting place to discover your personal route to contentment. What do you know about your own thought process that can help rid poisons such as anger and frustration and lead to a more pleasant state of mind? Think about it. No one knows his or her way around your conscience better than you.

 

If you get thrown for a loop, try watching yourself and your actions for a day to find out. Watch yourself as you consciously react to everyday situations. Do you hold the door open for people?  Do you say thank you at times, if at all? Do you even recognize people for their efforts? If you don’t, chances are you appreciate it when someone recognizes you. It doesn’t take very much to create a spark of joy. Be responsible and be confident, people will notice and reciprocate. My point is happiness is more about giving than receiving. Let down the shield for others to see you for who you are and give a little.

 

To help with this, try to locate your smile. That smile, that elusive smile that seems to evade all those who wish to remain discontent, is a product of giving. If you are still at a loss, consider ways to take your mind off negative things to help you focus on sense of stability. Happiness should be personally authentic. Expect to be upset at times, but find a balance, or better yet a hobby. Hobbies can prove to be extremely fulfilling because if you are responsible enough to stick with it, a hobby can turn into a passion.

 

It’s an expression that seems overused, however there is a very real truth in the fact that the actual pursuit (or journey) of happiness can indeed bring satisfaction. For example, learning to use the camera, getting out and taking photos, and sharing them with friends and family are ultimately more important and satisfying than an award for the best snapshot. Satisfaction is there for us if we simply learn enjoy the activity.

 

The same is true for knowing when to “stop and smell the roses.” If, for example, you always feel like you are behind schedule, you might see yourself here. Try setting a stopping point … somewhere where you just say, “Hey, I have done all I can do today, let’s take a break.” Be satisfied with what you have accomplished instead of worrying what is still on your plate.

When all said and done, it’s so much more meaningful to be satisfied that you are happy. Be content with yourself and share the wealth with those who are still searching!

 

“Because gratification of a desire leads to the temporary stilling of the mind and the experience of the peaceful, joyful Self, it’s no wonder that we get hooked on thinking that happiness comes from the satisfaction of desires. This is the meaning of the old adage, “Joy is not in things, it is in us.”
-Joan Borysenko

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