RazzWorks

The Secret of Happiness

Fun, happiness, joy. These are words we sometimes use interchangeably. Alot of us crave them and wish we had more of them. The strange thing is, they are actually different from each other. Fun or to have fun, or having fun, this word implies it’s an action word. If that is so, then that means it is momentary. I had fun last night. I am having fun playing this game.

Joy on the other hand is most commonly used as a state of being because more times than not it is referenced as enjoy. I enjoy my work. I enjoy this hobby. I am enjoying life. So most people who use the word tend to use it in reference to a deeper overall meaning, most commonly due to something you are passionate about or derived from something meaningful to the individual.

Happiness or happy is most often used by many as a reference to an emotional meaning. So happiness is like the overall bridge between fun and joy. However, happiness at the same time can stand on its own. For example, you can feel happy doing something while at the same time, it is not fun. Also, a person can be happy and positive even though things are not that great in their life.

So fun can be summed up to be an action, and joy a state of being. So what then is the secret to happiness? The eluding part of the secret is that it is not a secret at all. To be happy is a feeling. An emotion. So the real question perhaps should be. How can I foster this emotion, and/or feeling of happiness?

To find that answer, try thinking about people you consider to be happy people. Think about a person you know or have met that seems to you to be what you would refer to as a genuinely happy person. When you think of this person, do they seem to be overall always in a good mood, they seem to be thinking positively about things. This does not mean they don’t have bad days nor does it mean they don’t deal with hardship in their lives. However overall they seem to always appreciate the little things in life, and more often than not, always have a smile.

Hopefully, you have a person in mind. Now really think about them. Besides the obvious, that of being a genuinely happy type of person, what other characteristics do they have? For me, I have in mind a person I’ll call Cindy. Besides the fact that she is generally always in a good mood with a friendly smile and a bubbly greeting I have noticed that she seems to appreciate the small things in life like a beautiful sunset, for example. However, there are other things about her that I have noticed other happy people seem to have in common. And I believe this is the secret to happiness that has always been in plain sight. Cindy is caring, helpful, giving to others, and contributing to society. In a nutshell the more you contribute, give, or serve others the greater you feel happiness within yourself.

So there is your answer to how to foster or nurture this feeling or emotion of happiness within yourself. Take the time to freely contribute, give, offer, help, and serve others selflessly. The more regularly you do this, the more you will find yourself becoming a happier you.

Maybe you think you don’t have anything to contribute to others. That is bull (not true). Everybody has something worthy to give, not just worthy but also valuable. You just need to make it a choice to contribute, give, and share. Great and wonderful changes are made in society and to others by simply choosing to give each day. You have to first decide for yourself to each day choose to do so.

The act of choosing each day to contribute value to everyone you meet will also bring value to your community, society and others. The two simplest things that you or anyone else can give are honest appreciation by letting others know you are thankful for whatever they give to you, and an honest compliment, whether it be their smile, a piece of art they made that you like, or a skill they may have, or something else. You never know, those two small things could very well be the highlight of their day. Also the only thing it cost you was a few seconds and a few words.

So most definitely you have something you can contribute to others. You only need to think of what it is you can offer. For example, perhaps you have some time on your hands and you know how to read. You could take some time to read a story to children, or a book to a visually impaired person. Perhaps you have extra tools or things that you no longer have use for. You can lend or give your tools to someone who can not afford to buy them at this time. Maybe you have extra dishes or furniture you can give to someone who has none. Perhaps you have a skill or talent you can share, or teach to someone else. Maybe you have time, use the time to sit and visit with someone who might be lonely.

When you take the time to contribute and help someone else’s life to be better, you are actually making yourself a better person at the same time. Every little thing you do makes a difference, whether it’s a nice word, or a kind gesture, you are improving yourself as well.

The bottom line is, if you want true happiness, then every day take the time to contribute to others. Choose to be kind, and helpful for the benefit of others.

Just so you know, I am not an expert or anything on this subject. This post was written based on my observations and experience. Also the explanation of the words fun, happiness, and joy are my own interpretation. Since the articles posted by us at RazzWorks are read all over the world things could be completely different where you are. I’m curious if it’s universal worldwide. So I ask. Do you believe, think, or feel that there is any truth to it in your part of the world? The secret to happiness is that of giving and helping others. Tell us in the comments below and at the same time let us know what part of the world you are from.