“Happiness is a direction, not a place.” ~ Sydney J. Harris
To be happy is not so much a goal than it is a mindset…
“Happiness is a direction, not a place.”
Who doesn’t want to be happy? To experience happiness and have happy thoughts and feelings? I know I most certainly do and I so desire to feel happiness more often than not.
The thing about happiness is, though, that it’s not a set feeling or goal or place. Happiness is a direction. A guide to a way of thinking and being.
By that I feel that happiness is an active choice. When you actively decide to follow happiness, you are choosing to view things through an optimistic lens. You are also opening yourself up to so many different ways of experiencing life.
The majority trend is one that leans more toward the pessimistic and cynical. The common view is that to be resigned to the bleak and somewhat fatalistic view points means that you are “mature” and to be taken seriously. The more bleak you see things, the more realistic and honest you are.
The news is all bleakness and the spot-light is often upon the spectacles of horror and misery and despair. Topical conversations are often discouragingly politically based (i.e. how awful is this politician, how is the government failing now, etc). It’s all doom and gloom and pessimistic histrionics.
I mean, how depressing is that?
On the other hand, when one takes facts and finds ways to see the optimistic side to things, there is hope and encouragement.
To choose to see the brighter side and the chances to do and create better means you are following the direction of happiness. To do so doesn’t mean you are any less serious or realistic than one who is pessimistic, it merely means you are viewing things a different way.
I have always preferred to view life through a sunny and hopeful lens, one that sees all the darkness for what it is, but knows that light will always be there too. I believe in balance and I’m confidant that even small change can help make a big difference. There is promise in every day and encouragement in every smile and try.
By taking the pressure off of having to be happy and instead using happiness as a direction and a guide, anyone can forge a life that has an overabundance of delight in it and because of it. Happiness is a choice, it’s a mindset, and it’s available to everyone all the time (even if you suffer from clinical depression – seeking help is such a powerful step in the direction of happiness. I know because I’ve done it and it’s totally okay to seek that help). All it takes it actively deciding to go in it’s direction and not giving up even if you get lost. Just look up and you’ll find it again, patiently waiting. Dare to walk in the direction of your happiness and embrace your life, no matter how conventional or unconventional!
Namaste ~ Ella
~ Affirmation Mondays are positive words of wisdom, insight and joy to add a bit of cheer to the start of your week and any day you need a bit of a pick-me-up! For even more inspiration please check out my Affirmation Mondays Pinterest Board and my Quote-spirational Board!
~ Check my Instagram on Mondays for Inspirational quotes and every day for a little jolt of happiness!
Lawhimsy 