Happiness is described as a sense of well-being, joy, or contentment. It is the opposite of sadness.
Years ago, I read a quote from someone that struck a chord with me. I have misplaced the actual quote, but it went something like this. “Decide what you want. Work hard to get it. Then enjoy it.” I have tried to follow that theory, but I added a little something to it - “Don’t be afraid to adjust your goal.”
When I was growing up, I decided that I wanted to enjoy life to the fullest. I used to tell my friends, “Whenever you see me, I am enjoying myself. Or I’m doing what I have to do to get out of trouble for enjoying myself doing something I shouldn’t.” Since I had decided I wanted to enjoy life, I have made a conscious effort to do so, I have made an effort to be happy. I feel that I have been successful, since I often tell people I am the happiest person they will ever meet.
There is a saying AIM HIGH. The saying encourages people to strive for the top. Since not making it to the top sometimes bring sadness, and sadness is the opposite of happiness, I am not sure that AIM HIGH is a good saying. Maybe it should be AIM LOW, but I would rather keep AIM HIGH (but don’t be afraid to adjust your aim as life goes on). Hitting where we aim brings satisfaction, joy, and contentment. See definition in 1st paragraph; it brings happiness.
Do not forget the third part of my quote - enjoy it. While we are in the process of achieving our goal, we should enjoy our successes. When the goal is finally achieved, then we really should enjoy life. Achieving a goal does not mean one should choose another goal and start the process again without taking time to enjoy the success. Happiness does not mean having everything you want, it means enjoying everything you have.
