IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS PART2

• January 27, 2022
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IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

All of us desire to be happy

Research has shown that when people from around the world are asked to list the things that are most important to them, ‘to be happy’ topped the list. People ranked attaining happiness as being more important than even acquiring money or even maintaining good health.

Happiness is perceived by psychologists as a state of emotional well-being that a person experiences when good things happen in a specific moment, or more broadly, as a positive evaluation of one’s life and accomplishments overall[1]. Psychologists tell us that we are motivated to seek things that give us pleasure and avoid those that cause us pain. If so, then this means this has a great impact on the decisions we make in pursuit of happiness.

Researchers have shown that human connection and the need to experience strong supportive social relationships is a basic human need. They have also linked a person’s social relationships to their happiness. Consequently, the factor that has been most closely linked to high levels of happiness by research is social relationships.

Another factor that brings happiness is being content. The dictionary defines contentment as “the state of being mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are[2]. Today it is rare that we find people who are truly content with their condition in life. The world epitomizes cravings for more and more, so “the person with the most toys wins!”  Most people are busy comparing themselves with others, keeping up with the neighbours. However, true happiness can only come when we are content/ satisfied with what we have, who we are, and where we are going. When you are content you are not jealous and you do not covet other people’s stuff. Both greed and contentment are states of the heart. When someone you know is doing well, you are happy for them because you know you are next.  The difference is in the heart. Being content will change your whole conduct, attitude and thought patterns. It will significantly contribute to your daily happiness and overall outlook to life.

[1] Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2021, December 17). happiness. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/happiness

[2] https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/content