Pursuit of Happiness

Happiness

In my last blog I discussed depression, and the magnitude of this modern day epidemic.  It seems only natural to follow up with thoughts on happiness. I wish the diagnosis of happiness would reach epidemic proportions. What can we do to foster joy and happiness? Despite the complicated world we live in, I do believe that happiness is a state of being that can be fostered. We can help our happiness to grow.

What is Your Persuasion?

Some of the happiest people I know are of the “glass half-full” persuasion. They are consciously aware of the good. They do not focus on the weeds in the garden. Their focus is on the flower. Maybe “glass half-full” comes naturally. If not, fostering positive-ness can increase a sense of happiness and well-being. Instead of focusing on the negative, spend some time with the positive. It may difficult. Perhaps a lifetime of “glass half-empty” thinking has been in the making for quite awhile.

Take in the Positive

Our patterns of thinking and our habits become stronger with each reinforcement. But, you can foster a perspective that begins to notice the positive. Instead of what is wrong, what is right? Name it. List it. Be with gratitude and appreciation. Notice the things in your world that are sacred, astonishing and miraculous. Spend some time with the positive. Spend even more time with it. Foster the pattern of thinking that takes in the positive, and foster your own happiness.