Oldeagle66
Senior Member
I'm always happy because I refuse to be around people with negative attitudes and I don't overthink anything. No one leaves this earth unscathed so I just handle things as they come along.
I think that's a pretty good explanation of what I feel about contentment. It really does seem more profound than happiness, and more enduring. Joy is a component contentment also, but contentment trumps joy too, at least how I interpret the words. But again there are semantics involved in all of this.I got to wondering if this boils down to semantics. Some of the examples I see here of "happiness" is what I would call simply contentment that could be lost in an instant.
So anyhow, I did some research... and I think some of us are talking about happiness and some about joy. After a good meal, a good walk, or a great hug, I'm happy... but it's not the same as... joy which is internal. Anyhow, here's what I found:
"While often used interchangeably, "happiness" is generally considered a more fleeting emotion tied to external events, like receiving a gift, while "joy" is a deeper, more lasting feeling of contentment that often stems from within, like spending time with loved ones; essentially, happiness is a temporary positive feeling based on circumstances, while joy is a more profound state of well-being that can persist even through challenges."
Can we really choose to be happy or is it more a choice to put things in perspective and choose not to react to bad things? This time of year makes me reflect on things like this. When I make a conscious choice to be happier, some disaster always befalls me. Has this ever happened to you? It's like a curse or something.
But what we can do is try not to react to the negative things that happen by blowing them out of proportion.
I'm not making a New Year's resolution but I would like to become a happier person. What do you think?
I get it, the box 1/2 mt or 1/2 full !A discussion of happiness for people in our modern world is often dominated by use of drugs, a double-edged sword shortcut to potentially viscerally lifting one's mood, feeling good, well beyond what is normally possible. So in that way, yes people can choose to be happy at least temporarily however there is always a price to pay.
Was wondering if anyone posting on this thread would have anything to say about how significant numbers of people use drugs as part of their behaviors seeking happiness. The most used drug worldwide that affects their happiness is caffeine through coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks like cola.
I haven't consumed any caffeine since age 20 for medical reasons but can occasionally consume chocolate that contains a related caffeine chemical theobromine. Last week binging, I overdosed eating 72 Belgian chocolate candies but survived to live another day to tell this story (because the 3 boxes eventually were empty)
A more thorough basic treatment of the subject here:
The Science Of Happiness: What Really Makes Us Happy? | NOVA Psychology
Exactly, or in other words, stop wanting already.Focusing on what we don't have fosters unhappiness.
So the yogi is in a state of bliss. Oops, he's got to sneeze. He has lost his state of bliss!Some of the examples I see here of "happiness" is what I would call simply contentment that could be lost in an instant.
I've been trying all my life to learn those lessons, but haven't succeeded. You're better off than me by far.I agree with those who mentioned that it is how you react to events that helps determine happiness.
Several years ago we went to see Wicked at a local theater. We chose to valet my car, since it was fairly new, pristine and my pride and joy at the time. I watched in horror as a brand new parking attendant misjudged the distance and pulled the front into a concrete bench. I could have gotten angry and hysterical but instead I chose to go in and watch the first act of the play. I never berated the parking attendant because it was his first day and I could only imagine how bad he already felt. I wasn't going to let it ruin our day, and why should I get upset over something I couldn't control? We signed the paperwork at intermission, I had the car fixed, good as new.
Recently I ran over a severe pothole and got a flat. When I took the car to Discount Tire they said it had bent the rim and it needed a new wheel as well. Again, I could have said "woe is me" but I had them order a new tire and wheel and I was good to go within a couple of days.
Lastly, I had severe neck and shoulder issues a little over a year ago and was diagnosed with arthritis. I had trouble getting off the couch after sitting for a while. I chose to do the exercises the physical therapist gave me and continued going to the gym until the issue was resolved. I didn't know whether it would ever go away or not or not but I tried to live my life normally. I'm not dismissing anyone with debilitating physical problems because that is a completely different issue.
When I was younger, I used to get stressed and even lose sleep over things I couldn't control. I would get angry at companies that provided sub-par service and people that I though had slighted me. Now that I'm older I've learned it isn't worth my time. Focusing on the positive certainly has helped me live a happier life.