The Greatest Sin You Can Commit Is Not Being Happy

The Greatest Sin You Can Commit Is Not Being Happy
Sergio De Dios González

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist Sergio De Dios González.

Last update: 21 December, 2022

Greed, envy, pride, selfishness… all of these can be considered terrible sins, but there is no greater sin than not being happy. Life is too short to tiptoe through it, suffering, complaining, and being miserable.

It rests on your shoulders to decide what you do with the time that has been given to you. Now, think long and hard about whether you want your years in this world to be a beautiful story about love, friendship, and overcoming challenges, or a sea of tears and constant suffering.

You cannot always be happy, but almost

I do not want to be cynical, but I do not want to be innocent, either. Maybe you cannot be happy every hour of the day, because there will always be things that happen around us which disturb our tranquility, atmosphere, and life in general. This is obvious.

However, we can create a balance that tips toward happiness.

Consider your past. Slowly observe all the years of your life, from the very first moment you were aware of the world until this very moment. What is it that you see?

Woman with Many Butterflies

There are many things that you can appreciate when you create a careful balance in your life. However, if the final result is that you were happy despite the bad and hard times, the tragedies and sorrows, and even the challenges and complications, then you are making the most of your time in this world.

But if you see that the tragedies are dragging you down like a weight hung around your neck, you are not able to raise your head, it is hard for you to look towards the future with human, and your life is a sea of tears that you do not know how to escape, you are committing a terrible sin, for you are not happy.

“Happiness is not doing what you want but wanting what you do.”

Jean-Paul Sartre

Is happiness overrated?

There are people who think that happiness is overrated. Maybe they are right. Others say that it is impossible to achieve, and maybe this is true. There are also those who think that it is a concept that we have invented in an attempt to justify our mark on the world. I will not be the one denying this.

Despite all sorts of studies and wise proclamations, I have indeed learned one thing in this life, and that is that when I am in love , have a job that I like, and am surrounded by the most important people in my life, I am happy. I feel excellent, filled with a sense of belonging, of being where I want to be, of being a loved, valued, and unique person. Is that happiness?

Woman with Flower Hair

Maybe I do not have the answer. Some may think that I am not a happy person. However, I am peace with who I am, what I do, and what I have.

How to achieve happiness?

I only know one way to be happy, and that is by being oneself. But it’s not enough to stick to the superficial.

“Someday, somewhere – anywhere, unfailingly, you’ll find yourself, and that, and only that, can be the happiest or bitterest hour of your life.”

Pablo Neruda

People can only be themselves when they know themselves in an intimate way. In the most profound depths of each person’s heart is their one unchangeable truth, their real personality. The one that jealously guards their soul’s dreams and desires.

In the depths of our being dwells the object of the true search for happiness. Because your heart does not lie to you, and it will tell you who you want to be with and who you do not, what job you want, and which one you hate, which partner complements you, and who is with you out of self interest. Discover it and see for yourself.

Stop waiting, because each day that passes by is precious time that you are losing. Do not commit the sin of not being happy. You deserve the best, and you are the sole owner of your present and future. Seize it with all your might and start being who you really are.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.