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What Is Happiness?
By
Lynn Serper |
 Groucho
Marx said, “Each morning when I open my eyes I say to
myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or
unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is
dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day,
today, and I’m going to be happy in it.”
When I read this quote, I stopped to think, “What is
happiness?” In the past I felt it was a search for the
perfect situation or the perfect person that would bring
happiness to me. I also believed that happiness would only
be found from time to time with interspersing blueness and
then I’d go off to find happiness again. As I was pondering
these thoughts along with the thoughts of Groucho Marx, I
considered: “Is happiness a transient emotion?” “Or is
happiness a way of life?”
Under certain circumstances, it does seem that happiness can
be hard to find. The loss of a loved one or the loss of a
way of life can be devastating. However, it appears that a
key to happiness is found in the way an individual responds
to each situation. In fact, even more than feelings, the
response calls for an interpretation that includes the logic
and reasoning that effects how we think about our life’s
condition. Can happiness actually be a state of thought?
That reminded me of a quote spoken by Winston Churchill in
response to a person’s view of life. He observed that a
pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity and an
optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. From what
he said, it revealed that an optimist will have more
pleasant experiences, therefore more happiness and more
skills to overcome the difficulties that arise.
Studies continue to inform us that optimists experience more
harmony in their daily life especially in relation to human
connections. We hear the terms of less anxiety and
depression, more relaxation, even more energy the happier we
are. In fact, thinking positively also appears to affect the
body by increasing the immune system. There is little doubt
about it – optimism and happiness are good for us.
Take the happiness prescription. Pay attention to situations
and people that make you feel good and keep those conditions
within reach. A walk or a phone conversation can be quality
connections that bring happiness. Devote time to you and to
others who bring calm and harmony to your wellbeing. Enjoy
each day and the possibilities with it. |
About The Author
Lynn Lazarus Serper, EdD, is president of Brain
Enhancement Services, Inc., and founder of The Serper
Method™, a nationally recognized workbook program for brain
enrichment. She can be reached by email at lynnserper@
serpermethod.com, or by telephone at (800) 240-3778.
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