How do you define happiness? Just like success, fulfillment, and numerous other words, the definition of happiness is almost entirely subjective. Any one person can easily have a new definition every day, based on their life circumstances at that particular time. According to Dictionary.com, happiness results from the possession or attainment of what one considers good, and can also be defined as good fortune; pleasure; contentment; or joy. Society teaches us that happiness is good, and its clearly part of our human nature to strive for happiness. But, is true happiness an unattainable goal? Why are so many of us set on reaching that place of complete contentment?
The reality is that sometimes we’re not going to be happy. Bad things happen, and we’re going to feel sad. In fact, there are times when we shouldn’t force ourselves to look on the bright side, when the healthiest thing to do is just let ourselves feel sadness and pain. Even then, perspective is crucial. Maybe we should just worry about what makes us happy right now, today. I’m not saying throw caution to the wind without considering the consequences, but if we spend too much time making sure our happiness will last until tomorrow, we’ll just end up missing out on today.
Think about it. What are the little things that make you happy? Is it the smell of the ocean or the feeling of sand between your toes? Take a little drive to the closest body of water, or sandy patch of land. Close your eyes and let your imagination do the rest. Is it the taste of ice cream? Screw the diet and treat yourself to a cone after work. Is it a child’s laughter? Head over to the nearest playground and swing for a while. It’s okay to let your inner child come out and play. Is it a warm bath? Pick up some of those aromatic bath salts from the drugstore, fill up the tub, close the door, and relax. Hell, you deserve it.
Look, the sand might get stuck to your feet, the ice cream could melt before you finish it, the swings might be broken at the playground, and your tub might be a pain in the ass to clean. The truth is that these things probably won’t make you any happier tomorrow, but who cares?! Be happy now, and don’t worry about tomorrow until tomorrow.
