What is the Pursuit of Happiness? The Keys to a Happier Life

In reality though, instead of a pursuit of happiness, it is more of being happy in the present that matters.  So, there’s actually no pursuit per say, but rather it is more about the here & the now.  The question is, are you prepared to let yourself be happy, right now, at this very minute, hour & day in your life?  If yes, then the easiest thing to do is to forget about yesterday & tomorrow!

In this very moment in time, are you willing to be content with who you are and what you have achieved up to now?  In this essay, I will delve deeper in to the topic to explore the many sides of it.

Being in the moment, knowing where you came from, where you’re going and being thankful to where you are now

Do you think that there is nothing at all to be happy about?  Or are you just being unfair, and unjust in assessing yourself?  Let’s say you are 20 years old, or 30 or even 60 years old, it doesn’t really matter. 

You might be having a hard time right now, but at the same time, if you let yourself to look an inch deeper, you should be having a multitude of reasons to be proud of yourself, and to be thankful. 

Reasons for gratitude

You needn’t look far to know that you have family & friends who support you.  They are the ones closest to you who are ready to guide & protect you. You can count on these special people in your life to listen to you whenever you have troubles.

Also, don’t forget that you live a relatively good life, compared to others who are less fortunate.  And it goes without saying that you’re definitely well off compared to the standards of living prevalent a century ago. 

We are living in the most technologically advanced era that has ever being built.  Most luxuries and conveniences are at arm’s reach of a relatively large population of the world.   Life is actually not that bad if you count your blessings – A roof over your head, clean water and food on the table.  

Not to mention the Smart Device you’re using to read this very article on “the pursuit of happiness” among many more other things!  You should be happy for all these things that you have.  Focus on the good and not the bad.

How to cope with negative emotions

Whether we like it or not negative emotions rise within us from time to time.  So, what should you do about them?  Again, it could be all the bad decisions you have made, the falling out with friends & family with bridges completely burnt. 

Or it could be due to terrible financial decisions & wasted opportunities.  Still, never think of these unfortunate incidences as what defines you.  They are part of the past.  And, if the ‘pursuit of happiness’ is your goal, you need to let go of them. 

If possible, fix any relationships or any bad decisions you made, starting now.  If unfixable, forget them forever and move on.  There is no other way.

Consider all the bad experiences in the past as stepping stones to things that will bring your bountiful visions to fruition!  You should never think of the past as sad or unhappy.

Everyone pays a price for bad decisions, but that was in the past.  But we can always use that experience to better our lives.

Using your experience to move forward in life

Because good or bad experiences are ultimately just that, an experience only. You will always be stronger the more hardships you go through. Remember that a Diamond is only created under intense heat & pressure. 

And so is an admirably tough & resilient character.  Therefore, instead of battering yourself down, use all those failures and fuel to make yourself stronger and more determined, right now, on this very day.  

You have to be grateful for what you have.  And you need to strive to work on your goals and dreams.  Make sure you turn them in to reality no matter what.  Just like a rough Diamond, that is cut and polished to reveal its true luster.

Deal with the present, not worrying about the future

There is no point in worrying about something that is yet to come.  It is the simplest of ideas, but is not easy to implement.  For that reason, we need to train ourselves to be aware of how the mind always seeks to either go back or forward in time.  

Planning carefully on what needs to be done is one thing, worrying about it, is another thing.  All you can do is concentrate on the task at hand in the present, so that you can reap the benefits in the future.   

So, do not worry.  To paraphrase a saying: Far more hurt can be self-inflicted mentally worrying about the future, as opposed to the actual physical incident itself once the time comes. 

Often times we worry unnecessarily, causing unwanted pain that numbs us to a standstill.  As they say “Worrying is like sitting on rocking chair, you are doing something, but you are not getting anywhere”. 

In conclusion

You should plan for success while also preparing for failure, so that you stand unshakeable in the face of adversity. What you are working on right now in the present, is what makes a better future. 

So, concentrate on the “Now”.  The hand that molds & carves the present self today, is the stronger, braver person you see in the mirror tomorrow.  The pursuit of happiness is about the being content in the present.

Don’t think about the past & sulk, or think about the future & worry.  The worst thing that you can do to yourself, is be sorry about yourself. Self-pity will eventually put you on the fast track to depression. 

The past nor the future aren’t here in the present.  All you have is now, be thankful for every little thing you have & make the most out it. 

What are your thoughts?  Do you think that the pursuit of happiness is a goal to be achieved in the future, a destination that you have to reach one day? 

Or is it the present, where you are content & at peace with yourself?  Share your thoughts with me in the comments section below!

Until next time, have peace in your heart, and the light in your mind for a brighter tomorrow.  Bless you all!