Happiness, there have been so many articles written about it and yet so many people are still seeking the answers to happiness, or how to find happiness.

First of all, what does it actually mean to be happy?

There’s a quote that I love and it goes something like this…. Living a happy life is just a string of happy moments”.

Unfortunately, most people don’t allow the happy moment because they’re so busy trying to get a happy life, even though they don’t really know what that is and therefore, not appreciating what they do have in that moment.

I’ve had so many people asking me when they’ll “find” happiness.

Happiness isn’t something that you need to find.

To be happy you need to be content with who you are and what you have.  I know it’s a cliché but it truly is all about the journey.

For some it’s easier said than done as they just keep losing sight of where they are, thinking that they have to work towards that happy life.

It’s about enjoying where we are in the present moment.  However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t plan for the future!

We still need to constantly move forward in our own personal journey.  Otherwise you’ll stop learning and growing and that’s not the way it’s meant to be.

To experience new things and meet new people, to be put through the wringer and also to have amazing experiences – that’s all a part of living.

Remember, that happiness and contentment with our lives is something that happens WITHIN us – it’s got nothing to do with what is happening in the world around us.

It’s not about being ‘happy’ all the time, that’s impossible.  It’s about being content, knowing that you’re blessed for whatever reasons.

Happiness is also something that you can’t provide for others, nor others for you and you most certainly shouldn’t sacrifice your own happiness for others.

You can’t constantly put others needs ahead of your own because then you’ll find yourself depleted and miserable.

However, there can also be a fine line when you’re in a relationship and one thing you need to remember is that in any relationship it’s always give and take.  If one is constantly taking, and the other giving, that’s not a relationship.

It also won’t lead to happiness.  Do you throw away everything you have in pursuit of happiness?  I’m honestly in two minds about this.

As I said, happiness is within, it’s being content with what we have.  It’s not in attaining things, so if you think that you’ll find happiness in an ashram in India, and you leave your family behind to experience it, you may find yourself disappointed. 

You’ll learn some things about yourself, for sure, but will it actually make you happy?  I doubt it, because you weren’t happy to start with.

I do believe that if you’ve chosen to have children then you need to postpone anything that could majorly disrupt their lives while they’re young.  You chose to have them, you can’t look at them as an inconvenience in your life.

Some people believe that if they go on a spiritual quest it will bring them happiness.  What I believe happens is you find contentment.

When you become more spiritual you realise that a lot of ‘stuff’ that you used to think was important is no longer important.

You start to look at your life differently, you don’t need to keep up with the neighbours.

Contentment is more important than happiness.

So, if you’re after that happy life, then start appreciating what you have rather than focusing on what you don’t have. 

Count your blessings, continue to grow and learn.

Stop comparing your life to someone else’s because they’re on a completely different journey to you.

What makes you happy and content will be different to someone else.

For some, it’s living the life of a gypsy, travelling around in a caravan and seeing the country and the world.

Then for others, it’s having the security of their own home, feeling settled is what gives them a happy life.

While for others, a happy life is all about enjoying their chosen career.

None of those things is wrong, it’s right for that person.

When you focus on you and your journey and stop and smell the roses and enjoy all those little snippets of happiness and contentment …

Then you’ll have a happy life and be happy.

Love & Light 

Katrina-Jane