6 Questions To Help You Discover Happiness
If you were a journalist and you had the opportunity to interview yourself about happiness, what would you ask yourself? Are you sure you’d have all the answers?
And if you were told that you could be happier if you completed a simple questionnaire? Would you accept it?
If we had to fulfill certain parameters and conditions in order to find happiness, we would never be happy. Of course not, because basing our emotions on someone or something outside of ourselves makes us become dependent on them.
“Happiness flees from those who seek it. It can only come from within.”
-Mahatma Gandhi-
There will never be a 100% ideal situation that brings about an ear-to-ear smile. Like the great Freddie Mercury once said in the song “The Show Must Go On”: “My make-up may be flaking, but my smile still stays on.”
Truly happy people are not the ones who have the most money or the least problems.
Imagine people like Gandhi or Mother Theresa. They were happy, not because of material things, but because they had love and compassion for others. You don’t need to become one of them, but you could work becoming less dependent on external factors for your own happiness.
The following questions will help you find happiness wherever you are:
- Should I be grateful? Gratitude is something we have at our disposal that can help us be happier. When everything is smooth sailing, it’s easier to say thank you. The challenge arises when not everything is going well. But there is always something to be thankful for. If you write a list, you’ll realize it.
- What will make me happier? It’s difficult to find a response to this question. Why? Because human beings tend to be quick to think of things or people that do us wrong. The same does not happen for things that make us happy. Focus on things that give you satisfaction and a love for life. That is where true happiness resides!
- How have I made progress? When we focus on our failures or goals we have yet to achieve, it’s easy to become unmotivated and put up a white flag. Don’t let this happen! Look to the past only to bring the lessons you need to learn with you and to acknowledge what you have achieved up until now.
- Who loves me? We can have hundreds of friends on social networks, get along well with coworkers, or receive cordial greetings from our neighbors. However, the people who really love us can be counted on one hand (or if you’re lucky, two hands). The love of others gives us a lot of satisfaction. When you feel alone or sad, you can think about these people. They will become your strength, and they will help you to keep moving forward.
- Who can I help? Happiness tends to escape from our grip like water from the ocean or sand from the beach because we’re so focused on “me, me, me.” What about others? Do they not also deserve to be happy? We’re not talking about pure altruism or stripping yourself of everything you own, but rather simply helping the people around you. One simple gesture can make someone’s day. This will reunite you with your true essence. You’ll be very happy the day you make someone else happy.
- How can I help make the world a better place? There are thousands of options at your disposal, but it’s not about choosing one randomly or doing it just because you like the idea. It’s that the contribution you choose defines you, makes you feel passionate, gives your life meaning, and helps you to find happiness. Maybe you’ll find it by saving the whales, by preventing the logging of forests, by recycling more, by giving food to a dog on the street, or by donating medicine to children.
Ultimately, don’t forget that happiness does not consist of having everything we want, but in knowing how to appreciate what we have.
