*a happiness story*

[zdomerr]

All of this semester and the last, my roommate and I have contemplated over what happiness is. He's a philosophy major with HIGH levels of anxiety. I'm a psychology minor with HIGH levels of well... happiness. We've mixed his more pessimistic, philosophical views with my more optimistic, psychological views and came up with a lot of stuff.

First off, he would have anxiety attacks fairly often, but now he is doing really good, with the help of psychiatrists and counselors at our school.

Secondly, he would always smile for everyone, but really be hiding his sorrows. I, on the other hand would smile rarely, but have happy thoughts on the inside. Weird, I know. But true. I think a lot of the problem was that he would always walk faster and have too many projects going at once. Unlike me who walks slower and does one thing at a time.

Getting to the point, I've seen too many depressed and agitated threads and too many depressed people. Depression is a real disease and can be cured.

Happiness is eliminating wants. For example, if you really want a new car, but don't have enough money, will you be sad? If you really want a partner, but he or she breaks your heart, will you be sad. If you really want to succeed in life, but end up living on the street, will you be sad.

Happiness isn't about attaining the things you want, its about enjoying the what you already have. And I'm not talking about material things. Attending a party, buying a new shirt, eating a candy bar. These things are what feeds your pleasure, not happiness. These are fine, don't get me wrong, but thinking that these things will always make you happy isn't good. You become attached to them. You become addicted and soon you think that if you don't get them you will be depressed.

So rather than fretting about what you don't have, look at what you do have and say, "what I have is amazing." Happiness is a choice. A simple choice. A simple true or false question. Are you happy? True or False?

As for me and my roommate, were two smiling dudes and living in the wonderful, current moment. And no matter what happens, we'll keep on smiling.

[Joely]

What a beautiful post.

[LawofAttractionHandbook]

Originally Posted by zdomerr

So rather than fretting about what you don't have, look at what you do have and say, "what I have is amazing."

I'd have to completely agree.

It doesn't matter what material things you have. They'll never make you truly happy.

Since I've found myself, I'm now happy. I have certainty over who I am, why I am, and where I'm going. Nothing could make me happier.

Just having yourself, here in this present moment, is the greatest gift.

You are all you've got. That's what it comes down to.

[European38]

Jheeze did everyone know happiness was a choice expect for me, It makes me chuckle coz now I know what that means!

[Jonathan Mead]

Great post, I think happiness is definitely a choice.

I understand when you talk about eliminating wants. That is why Buddha said, "you suffer because you desire". Or "suffering is the result of unfulfilled expectations". I think even deeper the real difference is not simply eliminating wants and desires, but becoming detached to the outcome. You can desire something, but still accept the outcome in whatever happens, because you realize the present moment is perfect exactly the way it is.

[simplystephen]

What an excellent post and great outlook on life. I will try to implement the salient point as best as possible.

Question...how do you deal with overburdening debt load? On an emotional level, so that you can choose to be happy and cope with the stress. Your insights may be helpful.

Thanks again.

[Jcs]

It's nice your roommate can count on you among other people. Some people just walk away and don't care at all.