Happiness

August is Happiness Happens Month!

Happiness Happens

August is Happiness Happens Month so let's talk about what happiness really is - how to be happier and even share a few of my favorite happiness quotes. We let so many things get in the way of our happiness. We think we have it so bad and why us? When in all actuality if we'd just stop and think for one minute we could probably think of half a dozen people we know personally that would give their right arm to change problems with US.

Definition of Happiness

What is Happiness?

According to my dictionary - happiness is a condition of supreme well being and good spirits. It's blessedness and bliss and it's cheerfulness and gladness. I kind of think happiness is being blessed beyond measure and knowing it. It's knowing how to appreciate what we have and knowing not to compare our lives to the Jones next door because - goodness gracious - no telling what the Jones are going through to have what they have - that you don't even know about. Maybe they have more toys and pretty things than you do - but maybe they're also in debt so deeply that they can't even take a good breath. Happiness is knowing down deep in your heart that it's the little things that really are the big things.

How to be Happy

How To Create Happiness #1

"Spread love everywhere you go! First of all in your own homes. Give love to your children, your spouse and to the next door neighbors. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better or happier. BE the living expression of God's kindness. Kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile and kindness in your warm greeting!" -Mother Theresa

(I LOVE that quote and I've wagged it around and used it here and there for decades)

And here's another one I love ...

How To Create Happiness #2

"The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate and your mind from worry. Live simply and expect little. Give much! Fill your life with love. Scatter sunshine, forget self and think of others. Do as you would be done by. Try this for a week and you will be surprised!"

But as you read those words you will probably say "There's nothing new in that!" But oh yes indeed, there IS something new in it if you have never tried it. "When you start to practice it you will find it the most astonishing method of happy and successful living you have ever used. What is the value of having known these principles all your life if you have never made use of them? Such inefficiency in living is tragic. For a man to have lived in poverty when all the time ... right on his doorstep is gold ... indicates an unintelligent approach to life."