The Perception of Happiness

Happiness...


What is Happiness?


Dictionary.com says that Happiness is "the quality or state of being happy" 


Well of course it is. But how is happiness achieved? 


For the longest time I always looked at my life as if something was missing. I would think "Oh if only I had "this" things will be better" or "THAT will make me happy"... 


But the reality was I was miserable because I allowed myself to be. I wasn't Thankful for all that I had. 


I remember sitting down one night talking to hubby about this. Asking why I was always looking for this so called magic item that would fix whatever I had in my head that was broken. Why did I always look at other peoples lives and wish I had it that way or wish I did whatever differently. It wasn't until I took a good long hard look at my life that I realized how happy I truly was and still am. I realized that people were probably doing the same thing with my life.


I had everything I had wished for:


Career, Home, Car, Family, Freedom! All achieved by ME! 


No I didn't get that Masters Degree or travelled the world. I worked my way up with a Diploma, got pregnant, then married the man I love and life goes on! 


Happiness is truly a perception. 


If you believe things are great that's what you will see. If you believe you are not happy then all you will see are things that will make you unhappy. 

I would constantly complain about what my husband wasn't doing that would piss me right off when really he does so much to make sure we have everything we need. He respects me, he loves me and he is a hard working man! Why am I so obsessed with the dishes? My perception changed when my dad stayed here for a few months! WOW that was an eye opener for me. 

I would also look into other peoples lives and see what they allowed me to see and would be thankful that wasn't my life. I would sometimes also allow others to alter my perception of my own happiness. This is not cool! I should never let others affect me that way. I also realized this over Christmas! 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you look at your life and think you are not where you want to be then you have to do something about it! You can NOT depend on others to give you what you want or think people or things will make you happy if you do not believe in happiness yourself. 

Only you can make the change you want to see in the world ... in your life! 

I can't say 2011 was a shitty year because it wasn't. It was amazing! And that is my perception of my happiness! 

My life is amazing because I allow it to be! And I also have to be thankful for my family! Because I allow them to bring joy into my life! With a single kiss, hug and smile! 

I hope you can change your perception!