Note: There aren't appropriate topic to place this discussion under, so I choose depression. Which I guess is the polar opposite of happiness? but the topic is about happiness and not depression.
Is it a state of mind?
Is it because you have a loving partner? (and your happiness depends on that)
Is it having fun? (isn't that temporary, unless you have a loving partner)
Do funny things like joke make you happy? (again, isn't that temporary)
Is happiness when people have found new love? the feeling people get at the beginning of a possible long lasting relationship with a view that this will bring long-term happiness.
Are having children happiness? watching them grow, getting them married, having grandchildren.
What if you don't have any of the above and never will? can you still be happy.
How much importance do you put into making other people happy, outside of your inner-circle's. Are you only happy when you form a group?
Oh, and the 80lb dog is on your legs, so you're well and truly trapped.
Enjoying the tender mercies of a day and acknowledging the blessings you have.
Happiness is
...getting pictures of ducklings from friends.
I am happy that I am safe, sheltered, fed, financially stable and loved.
Happiness is
...when your shampoo & conditioner finish together.
Happiness is
...finally letting go of something.
Someone said I should keep a journal. I tried writing things in a notebook but it made me cry. Letting go of feelings is difficult for me.
Happiness is
...when your neighbour's wifi is not password protected.
Happiness is
...getting the shower temperature right the first time.
I'm sure your cats are thanking you!
My solid answer:
Happiness is walking on a beach of Puget Sound looking at rocks and driftwood, watching the birds soar, seeing the dogs run in the water.
Tired of that? I can do the walk in the woods.
And those answers, getting out in nature and walking with a mindful soul would have sufficed as well at 8 as at 80 for me.
Buffalo hot wings fit in there somewhere as well. I am easy.
Make a list of things that make you happy.
Make a list of things you do every day.
Compare the lists.
What is happiness to you??
It has to come from within and it is a choice.
I choose to be happy despite all the many negative things that have happened to me over my life,(and trust me when I tell you there's been a lot of negative things,) but I am blessed that the Good Lord has given me a positive attitude, and that goes a long way in keeping me happy. Plus the good in my life(and all of our lives)will always outweigh the bad.
I also choose to write in my "grateful" notebook every evening 5 things from the day that I am grateful for. That certainly helps keep things in perspective for me as gratitude and happiness go hand in hand.
So be blessed everyone and choose today despite your circumstances to be happy!
And I reciprocate that love to her.