The Meaning of Happiness

Are you happy? Do you remember a time when you were happy? Are you seeking happiness today?

Many people have sought a variety of sources for their feeling of happiness. Some have put their heart and efforts into their work. Too many turned to drugs and alcohol. Untold numbers have looked for it in the possession of experience cars, exotic vacation homes, and other popularity “toy”. Most of their efforts have a root in one common fact: people are looking for a lasting source of happiness.

Unfortunately, I believe that happiness evades many because they misunderstand the process and journey of finding it. I have heard many people say that, “I’ll be happy when I get my new promotion,” or “I’ll be happy when I lose that extra 20 pounds.” This thinking is dangerous because it presupposes that happiness is a response to having, being or doing something.

In life, we all experience stimulus and response. Stimulus is when a dog barks at you and bares his teeth. Response is when your heart beats faster, your palms get sweaty and you prepare to run. Today, some people think that an expensive car is stimulus. Happiness is a response. A great paying job is stimulus. Happiness is a response. A loving relationship is stimulus. Happiness is a response. This belief leaves us thinking and feeling: “I’ll be happy when …”

But in my opinion, actually the opposite is true; people have leaded the wrong thought in their daily life. I believe that happiness is a stimulus and response is what life brings to those who are truly happy. When we are happy, we tend to have more success in our work, and then we will receive higher paying. When we are happy, people want to be around us and enjoy loving relationships, and then we get the love from the people around. When we are happy, we will naturally take better care of our bodies and enjoy good health, so you will be able to face the bigger challenge on your way of life. Happiness is not a response rather, it is stimulus.

Happiness is a conscious choice we make every day of our lives. For unknown reasons to me, many choose to be miserable, frustrated and angry most of the time. Happiness is not something that happens to us after we get something we want -- we usually get things we want after we choose to be happy.

Happiness is the way, so, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with him, and remember that time waits for no one. So, stop waiting. There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. So, work like you don't need money; love like you've never been hurt; and dance (http://www.dinodirect.com/se-dance/ ) like no one is watching.