- Terri K. Lankford, LPCS, NCC, LCAS
The Problem with Happiness
How do you define happiness? Do you think it’s an algorithm? You know like .. “once I get X then I’ll be happy!” Or “when Y happens then B aligns and that = happiness!” If so.... How has that been working out for you?! See the thing is, That IS the problem with Happiness. That most of us believe we’re UNhappy BECAUSE that algorithm I just mentioned is the way we think. Because we’re always waiting. Waiting to get X. And then when we obtain or achieve that thing... well, then what? It sounds clichè .. but happiness truly is in the PROCESS. If you can be mindful, pay attention, and ENJOY the work you’re putting into it to have nice things or do amazing things... THEN, maybe you’ll achieve happiness. Because life. Because we’re constantly upgrading (hopefully) our problems. Because the ACTION of solving those problems... THAT is Happiness. Once you can ACCEPT that YOU create your own happiness through the way you THINK about things... not playing the victim role and not blaming others... YOU. Well then You’ve got the secret sauce! 💫
Got that? Happiness = the ACTION of Problem Solving (and obtaining better, slightly better problems along the way!) SO!! All that being said.. First, how are your problem solving skills? Then, How are you RE-defining Happiness for yourself AND What is making YOU happy today??? 💭
Me? I get to be happy today because I get to decide how to prioritize my three page my to-do list. I get to figure out how I'll make time to get my exercise in. I get to problem solve new ways to make money and continue to learn and grow. Amongst the many other actions my brain will do today that only if I'm mindful, will I notice! What do you get to allow yourself to do IN THE PROCESS today?
