The Preamble of the US constitution says that the citizens will be allowed to pursue happiness. There is no guarantee you will find happiness. In fact this is a frequent misunderstanding of this phrase. Some people think that we are guaranteed happiness - No, we are only guaranteed the liberty to pursue happiness. What you do with your liberty is your responsibility and if you use it to find happiness and do find happiness, good for you.
Meanwhile remember happiness is an inside jog. No one can make you happy. Things will not make you happy. Happiness is an elusive, ever-moving target. Happiness is based on happenings for many people which is why they are often unhappy. I prefer to pursue joy - joy is something I can have deep inside myself which not dependent on happenings or circumstances. With St. Paul, I can say I have learned in all circumstances to be content. Oh, and remember he was in a Roman prison when he wrote that.
by Lookin' (PM , CC ) on Monday July 7, 2008 @ 10:47 AM
Lookin':
David Leonhart held a contest in which he requested that subscribers to his "Your Daily Dose of Happiness" define happiness. David Leonhardt is author of a self-help happiness book. He also runs a Liquid Vitamins Store and serves as a SEO/SEM website marketing consultant. Here are 25 of the best entries he chose.
I define happiness as ... a clear MRI on a brain scan! WE have 2 wonderful daughters, Abbi age7 and Somer age22. In May of 2000, Somer was diagnosed with a very malignant brain tumor. 33 radiation treatments, 4 surgeries and numerous prayers, she now has a clear MRI! She has been stable since October! Happiness is health, family and a 25 yr. marriage that can weather through the worst of storms Vicki Hood, Alabama, USA
I define happiness as ... having more than enough in each area of life--more than enough faith, more than enough relationships, more than enough physical, emotional and mental resources. Kevin Bidwell, Kentucky, USA
I define happiness as ... being at peace with oneself and the world. It happens when your mind (intent), body (action)and spirit(conscience) vibrate in unison. A rare occurrence when you leave it to chance but can happen all the time if you consciously seek it. Ali Sajid Husain, India
Happiness to me is seeing the smiles on my children's faces and knowing that I am the one who put them there. Chalet Harris, Pennsylvania, USA
I define happiness as ... having the courage and responsibility to be a role model for my daughter to create her own destiny and not rely upon anyone for her happiness. Everyone is worthy of such a gift. Nadine Rosario-Garcia, Florida, USA
I define happiness as being able to do something for someone and not expect something in return. Dianne Gow, Ontario, Canada
I define happiness as the feeling of what the continual effort in bettering myself gives. Damon Abbott, Japan
I define happiness as ... sitting quietly on my front porch, watching a rainstorm dance by, observing all of nature joyously celebrating it's abundance. Carrie Houseman, Ohio, USA
I define happiness as ... that sense of warmth that begins at the core of the soul, spreads to the heart, and radiates outward from the eyes and lips of those who know it. The gift of happiness is elusive, but tangible. You cannot seek to find that which makes you happy for happiness comes from within and by your own choice. Dale Reddish, Maryland, USA
I define happiness as ... walking through the dewy summer grass barefoot, the smile on a person's face upon seeing you, the warm sun shining on your face, the feeling of being completely loved faults and all. Noel Collins, Connecticut, USA
I define happiness as ... having the freedom, health and opportunity to do great things for myself and others. David Cress, Wisconsin, USA
I define happiness as ... the fresh scent of a soft Spring rain, the kiss of morning sunshine, and the embrace of a crisp Autumn breeze. Yolanda Anderson, Alabama, USA
I define happiness as being at peace with myself and those around me and being able to give and receive love unconditionally. Luke Sebastian, Malasia
I define happiness as ... a true joy that springs from the heart and does not depend upon the circumstances. J. David Kumar, India
I define happiness as ... waking up with a smile, jumping over every obstacle that you encounter each day, thanking God for all he has created and for all we have...then going to bed and having totally awesome dreams!!!!!! Marty Marshall, Tennessee, USA
I define happiness as ... the ultimate state of conscious feeling where all the five senses integrate into a purest form of dreamless love. Happiness flows out of 'FORGIVE'ness and not 'FORGET'ness. Asesh Datta, India
I define happiness as ... a seed that God had planted in our heart, and we have to learn during the whole life to make it grow and flourish in a splendid flower, by learning to love each other Adina Militaru, Romania
I define happiness as ... standing in the rain and really feeling every single rain drop that touches you, and knowing that each drop is a not a tear from God above but a drop of his everlasting love falling sown on us. April Kinabrew, Mississippi
I define happiness as ... that reassuring sound of the other guy's fax machine kicking in. "It's going through...it's really going through!" Patricia Gomes, Massachusetts, USA
I define happiness as ... The smile on my son's face when he wakes up and the sun is shining after 4 days of rain, and he says 'mom, I can do my running today!' Helene Nicol, South Africa
I define happiness as being able to sit in the hammock on a spring evening and know I am valuable--even after having two story submissions rejected by editors, one book proposal rejected and hearing my cousin just got a book deal with a major publisher. The crickets and bullfrogs harmonize in the nearby pond and instead of thinking how far I have to go, I relish the successes I have on the smaller scale and know I can continue to pursue the mountains. Alice J. Wisler, North Carolina, USA
I define happiness as ... comfortable shoes. Sarah White, Arkansas, USA
I define happiness as ... not having your name show up in the obit. column. Ed Scull, Georgia, USA
I define happiness as ... the smile you see when you give away the 'biggest' shark's tooth you just found! Kim Lang, Florida, USA
I define happiness as ... knowing who you are and being at peace with yourself Carolyn Richardson, Maryland, USA
I define happiness as ...
Our glow from within Shinning out toward luminous beauty that sings Joy of the Lord!!! Tamara Lanza
Lookin' - that is not my own choir but my choir would sing that song heartily!!!! Our choir would be black as our house church now is over half African refugees. We had a new lady a week ago yesterday with five children 4 months to age 15. Her husband died a few months before the baby was born and she has only been in America not even a year. She was settled in MIssouri and a family member got her to come to Az. after her husband died. Then the family memeber decided that the five kids were too much and basically put them out. One of our church families said come with us to church - our pastors will help you. Amazing - Ron got a person from his work on Monday morning on the case; it was opened here in Phx. and on Tuesday they were in an apartment of their own. The first Sunday she was in church she asked prayer for her mother in Africa who had like a light stroke - we prayed and yesterday she said her mother was completely healed. She was praising God - it was so awesome it still gives me goose bumps and tears as I write. And yesterday Ron told me how the Africans just sing and praise God no matter what the tune is!!!!! I wish I could give everyone a taste of the joy we have in our fellowship as we see God at work. Yup - it is where happiness is found in the midst of the ugliness of the world!!!!! Blessings - June
by Lookin' (PM , CC ) on Monday July 7, 2008 @ 3:15 PM
Lookin,
For me it's being content with what and who I am, not being jealous of what others have. Doing my best at whatever interests me, and accepting the mistakes I make. It's an inner peace thing, and I don't have it every single minute of every single day, but I have it lately enough to be happy with it.
by Bella (PM , CC ) on Monday July 7, 2008 @ 4:38 PM
It's my past...my present...and my future...all the mistakes I've made and learned from...it's hearing giggles from my kids...or one telling me how good of a Mom I am...Waking up in the morning and seeing that God has given my family and myself another chance..it's having my wisdom grow each day and to understand the true value of life...To have love fill the places in my heart that once held so much bitterness...To be able to smile not only on the outside but from within... So there you go..just a few of what makes me happy... Smile
by Lookin' (PM , CC ) on Monday July 7, 2008 @ 7:21 PM
Happiness? It can be very elusive, especially if you are seeking a worldly happiness. I don't think there is such a lasting thing. But JOY! That is what we should seek through God's word. Two totally different concepts. Just the word JOY seems to bring on a deep sensation within my inner being. The word happiness is nice, but can be so fleeting. "I've got the JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. I've got the JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart to stay."
God Bless, Karen
"And if the devil doesn't like it , he can sit on a tack!"
by Lookin' (PM , CC ) on Wednesday July 9, 2008 @ 12:21 PM
Well Lookin the peace and contentment that I feel in my life gives me alot of happiness and joy. I would say giving God the glory and living your life in harmony and peacefulness is a great start on the road of happiness.
by PolarB (PM , CC ) on Wednesday July 9, 2008 @ 12:41 PM
Happiness to me is now (wow how things change) A large cup of Dunkin Dounuts ice coffee, an old fasion dounut(now like me) and the New York time! My how simple I have become@!
Many Blogstream members are there
already! Quotes from members: "It's like blog lite!" -- "I like the instant
gratification!" -- "Stop spectating, get in the game!"
If you have not joined in, you are really missing out!
Meanwhile remember happiness is an inside jog. No one can make you happy. Things will not make you happy. Happiness is an elusive, ever-moving target. Happiness is based on happenings for many people which is why they are often unhappy. I prefer to pursue joy - joy is something I can have deep inside myself which not dependent on happenings or circumstances. With St. Paul, I can say I have learned in all circumstances to be content. Oh, and remember he was in a Roman prison when he wrote that.
good blog
ron
If I remember correctly, I read that you were not born here in the United States. Where were you born and have you become a citizen?
What made you want to become a citizen? I think that would be interesting to know.
Blessings - June
Boy what a way to answer the question - Your own Choir singing - is that a look at "things to come?"
David Leonhart held a contest in which he requested that subscribers to his "Your Daily Dose of Happiness" define happiness. David Leonhardt is author of a self-help happiness book. He also runs a Liquid Vitamins Store and serves as a SEO/SEM website marketing consultant. Here are 25 of the best entries he chose.
I define happiness as ... a clear MRI on a brain scan! WE have 2 wonderful daughters, Abbi age7 and Somer age22. In May of 2000, Somer was diagnosed with a very malignant brain tumor. 33 radiation treatments, 4 surgeries and numerous prayers, she now has a clear MRI! She has been stable since October! Happiness is health, family and a 25 yr. marriage that can weather through the worst of storms
Vicki Hood, Alabama, USA
I define happiness as ... having more than enough in each area of life--more than enough faith, more than enough relationships, more than enough physical, emotional and mental resources.
Kevin Bidwell, Kentucky, USA
I define happiness as ... being at peace with oneself and the world. It happens when your mind (intent), body (action)and spirit(conscience) vibrate in unison. A rare occurrence when you leave it to chance but can happen all the time if you consciously seek it.
Ali Sajid Husain, India
Happiness to me is seeing the smiles on my children's faces and knowing that I am the one who put them there.
Chalet Harris, Pennsylvania, USA
I define happiness as ... having the courage and responsibility to be a role model for my daughter to create her own destiny and not rely upon anyone for her happiness. Everyone is worthy of such a gift.
Nadine Rosario-Garcia, Florida, USA
I define happiness as being able to do something for someone and not expect something in return.
Dianne Gow, Ontario, Canada
I define happiness as the feeling of what the continual effort in bettering myself gives.
Damon Abbott, Japan
I define happiness as ... sitting quietly on my front porch, watching a rainstorm dance by, observing all of nature joyously celebrating it's abundance.
Carrie Houseman, Ohio, USA
I define happiness as ... that sense of warmth that begins at the core of the soul, spreads to the heart, and radiates outward from the eyes and lips of those who know it. The gift of happiness is elusive, but tangible. You cannot seek to find that which makes you happy for happiness comes from within and by your own choice.
Dale Reddish, Maryland, USA
I define happiness as ... walking through the dewy summer grass barefoot, the smile on a person's face upon seeing you, the warm sun shining on your face, the feeling of being completely loved faults and all.
Noel Collins, Connecticut, USA
I define happiness as ... having the freedom, health and opportunity to do great things for myself and others.
David Cress, Wisconsin, USA
I define happiness as ... the fresh scent of a soft Spring rain, the kiss of morning sunshine, and the embrace of a crisp Autumn breeze.
Yolanda Anderson, Alabama, USA
I define happiness as being at peace with myself and those around me and being able to give and receive love unconditionally.
Luke Sebastian, Malasia
I define happiness as ... a true joy that springs from the heart and does not depend upon the circumstances.
J. David Kumar, India
I define happiness as ... waking up with a smile, jumping over every obstacle that you encounter each day, thanking God for all he has created and for all we have...then going to bed and having totally awesome dreams!!!!!!
Marty Marshall, Tennessee, USA
I define happiness as ... the ultimate state of conscious feeling where all the five senses integrate into a purest form of dreamless love. Happiness flows out of 'FORGIVE'ness and not 'FORGET'ness.
Asesh Datta, India
I define happiness as ... a seed that God had planted in our heart, and we have to learn during the whole life to make it grow and flourish in a splendid flower, by learning to love each other
Adina Militaru, Romania
I define happiness as ... standing in the rain and really feeling every single rain drop that touches you, and knowing that each drop is a not a tear from God above but a drop of his everlasting love falling sown on us.
April Kinabrew, Mississippi
I define happiness as ... that reassuring sound of the other guy's fax machine kicking in. "It's going through...it's really going through!"
Patricia Gomes, Massachusetts, USA
I define happiness as ... The smile on my son's face when he wakes up and the sun is shining after 4 days of rain, and he says 'mom, I can do my running today!'
Helene Nicol, South Africa
I define happiness as being able to sit in the hammock on a spring evening and know I am valuable--even after having two story submissions rejected by editors, one book proposal rejected and hearing my cousin just got a book deal with a major publisher. The crickets and bullfrogs harmonize in the nearby pond and instead of thinking how far I have to go, I relish the successes I have on the smaller scale and know I can continue to pursue the mountains.
Alice J. Wisler, North Carolina, USA
I define happiness as ... comfortable shoes.
Sarah White, Arkansas, USA
I define happiness as ... not having your name show up in the obit. column.
Ed Scull, Georgia, USA
I define happiness as ... the smile you see when you give away the 'biggest' shark's tooth you just found!
Kim Lang, Florida, USA
I define happiness as ... knowing who you are and being at peace with yourself
Carolyn Richardson, Maryland, USA
I define happiness as ...
Our glow from within
Shinning out toward
luminous beauty that sings
Joy of the Lord!!!
Tamara Lanza
And yesterday Ron told me how the Africans just sing and praise God no matter what the tune is!!!!! I wish I could give everyone a taste of the joy we have in our fellowship as we see God at work. Yup - it is where happiness is found in the midst of the ugliness of the world!!!!! Blessings - June
Thanks for all of those examples - Is your one of them or...
Don't you just love it when God takes charge
For me it's being content with what and who I am, not being jealous of what others have. Doing my best at whatever interests me, and accepting the mistakes I make. It's an inner peace thing, and I don't have it every single minute of every single day, but I have it lately enough to be happy with it.
Sherry
It sounds like your "higher power Guy" is handling things pretty good - most of the time
So there you go..just a few of what makes me happy...
Smile
"coma si bella" - My little pretty - you are beginning to sound like some old witch - WHICH I know your aren't -
Isn't "Mama" the most perfect word? - yep - I totally agree
I know - so was mine!
Normal - or something like it - is what I strive for - I am glad you try for it also
God Bless,
Karen
"And if the devil doesn't like it , he can sit on a tack!"
You are so right - never thought about it like that - but Joy is what my soul feels and it is what I seek - to bring out to other.
Awesome thought - and very wise
Bear Hugs!
PolarB ;)
I could not agree more - or in California Valley talk...
"Totally - You know I totally agree"
On this Saturday morning - I wish I was with ya!