Feb 11, 2007

What makes you happy? What can you do to bring more happiness to your life?

There are many things which make me happy, such as receiving an unexpected gift, seeing something amazing or beautiful for the first time, acheiving a goal, or getting a kind word or compliment from a friend or loved one, but I would have to argue that the greatest feeling of happiness is the feeling that comes from doing something for someone else. Making a difference in another person's life generates a sense of happiness that is more genuine and long-lasting than any other kind of satisfaction that I know.
In our society, it is really easy to get caught up in material things. We are so bombarded with advertisements and social pressures, and they all send the continual message that we need buy or have the next great thing in order to feel good, happy, or just normal. So many people seem to believe that you need to be rich or beautiful in order to be successful and happy in our world. This is really unfortunate.
In order to bring more happiness into my life I need to constantly remind myself what truely makes me happy and to remember that endlessly chasing after my desires is a hopeless pursuit for the wrong kind of happiness. True happiness is not what you get for yourself, but what you give to others. I think that if I can perform more unselfish acts towards others and do more to make others happy then I will be a much happier person myself.

3 comments:

christine said...

I thoroughly agree Daniel. I too often get caught up in my desires. All that selfwill and whatnot. Some of my greatest pleasures come from my job as a caregiver. I work in a assisted living home with 17 elderly residents. Many have dementia and alzheimers. Often they are unaware of the things I do for them. My goal is to improve their quality of life, and bring them as much joy and laughter as I can. Just doing without expecting anything in return, often puts a smile on my face.

ninotroy said...

I agree wiht you!!if people not be selfish they will be alots happiesnesss.



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Karen said...

I agree with you Daniel. I am always getting wrapped in my desires. Except that my desires go more towards my family's needs and wants.