Embracing Happiness: Can You Really Buy It?
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Chapter 1: The Quest for Happiness
Have you ever pondered the question, "If happiness were available for purchase, would I buy it?" This thought compelled me to evaluate the true worth of happiness in my life, leading me to reflect, "Do I genuinely desire happiness or am I simply content being unhappy?"
Photo by Anastasiia Tarasova on Unsplash
This moment was pivotal for me. While walking, I found myself recalling lines from Thomas Beddoes’s poem, "If There Were Dreams For Sale, What Would You Buy?" It prompted me to ask, "If happiness were for sale, would I invest in it?" This inquiry sharply illuminated my understanding of happiness.
I began a mental dialogue about happiness with my inner wisdom. What truly is happiness? I had always thought I understood it. I’ve experienced euphoric moments—dancing energetically at a party, feeling a rush of warmth when a loved one greets me, or the thrill of packing for a vacation. However, I realized these fleeting joys stemmed from external circumstances rather than being intrinsic to my identity.
My inner guide advised, "You shouldn’t rely on external events for happiness. Instead, cultivate a sense of joy from within yourself."
Uplifting Yourself with a Half-Smile
I have attempted meditation, admiring those who embody tranquility. In my exploration, I came across the teachings of Vietnamese Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh, whose meditative practices often begin with the simple instruction: "sit with a half-smile on your face."
Try it while reading this—attempt to half-smile. It may seem trivial, but you’ll discover that this small act can genuinely enhance your mood. This realization about the half-smile led me to understand a form of happiness that is within my control.
The Perils of Emotional Contagion
In my coaching experiences, I've observed that many individuals operate from a default emotional state. Some may be naturally pessimistic, while others exude cheerfulness or anger. This emotional broadcast can influence those around us, and I’ve found myself instinctively retreating from those who appear angry, engaging with cheerful individuals, and empathizing with the gloomy.
The risk of this emotional responsiveness is that I may inadvertently absorb unwanted feelings from others.
Taking Control of Your Emotions
I’ve come to realize that every emotion I experience is a product of my own choices. I can consciously decide how to feel by engaging my thoughts before emotions manifest. If happiness is a desirable state, why not consciously create it more frequently?
The Challenge of Distractions
We live in a world rife with distractions, particularly from media that often thrives on negativity. It seems that bad news travels faster than good, almost as if we’re conditioned to expect the worst.
But must we succumb to this negativity?
Deciding for Yourself
While staying informed is essential for a sense of belonging, it’s also possible to maintain independent thoughts. The realization that I could belong to humanity while holding my own beliefs empowered me to choose happiness as a default state.
So, how could I make happiness my standard mode without perpetually seeking external tokens of joy?
You Can Invest in Happiness
I made the conscious decision to pursue happiness. However, I recognized that this wouldn’t be a monetary exchange; rather, I needed to invest in habitual practices. My inner guide clarified, "You build habits through consistent actions. By continually choosing to feel happy, you accumulate 'happiness tokens' that you can draw upon whenever needed."
I inquired, "What actions should I repeat to cultivate my happiness tokens?"
Developing a Happiness Routine
We identified six key practices to help establish my happiness habit:
- Half-smile whenever the thought arises; aim for at least ten times a day.
- Pause to reflect on the sensation of happiness ten times daily.
- Before engaging in conversation, ask yourself, "What would a happy person contribute to this dialogue?"
- Before consuming food or drink, contemplate, "How would a happy person feel while enjoying this?"
- Before sleeping, affirm, "I will rest peacefully tonight."
- Each morning, declare, "Today, I will choose happiness."
Thank you for joining me on this journey to embrace happiness.
This video, titled "Money DOES Buy Happiness, and I'll Prove It," delves into the relationship between financial success and personal joy, providing insights that challenge conventional wisdom on happiness and wealth.
In "Happiness Is Fake - The TRUTH Behind Money Buying Happiness," the discussion unravels the myths surrounding happiness and monetary wealth, encouraging viewers to rethink their understanding of what truly brings joy.