We all want to be “happy”, but what does that mean to you? Being happy is kind of a general nebulous term. Is happiness different for each person? We’ve all heard that money can’t buy happiness but where do we get it?
Being happy is a life long endeavor. Happiness is so important that even in our Declaration of Independence we are guaranteed “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.
There are survey results that can help us understand happiness and aid us in our “pursuit”. Over 60,000 individuals participated in this study (by Deakin University in conjunction with Australian Unity) and found out that happiness can be determined by three things:
- Someone that you can share your life with. One person close to you that you can open up your heart’s desires offer support and the comfort of listening to you. If you have one intimate person who you can share thoughts, secrets, dreams, fears, hopes and passion with, encourage that relationship as a building block to happiness. Nurture lasting friendships.
- Money really can buy happiness. We can’t go to Amazon and buy a case of happiness but having enough money to alleviate the worry and anxiety, surely can reduce the stress. It’s not so much how much money we have; even people with low-income experience happiness when they feel in control of how they spend their money. Sometimes having money breeds discontent desiring more and more. Budget your money to build happiness.
- Sense of purpose. We all need a reason to live. Studies show that a real sense of belonging is imperative. Hobbies, special interests, a feeling a part of something bigger than oneself brings a bigger meaning and focus to our lives. Oscar Wilde said that the two most important days are the day you were born and day that you discovered “why”. Find your WHY.
Being aware of these “building blocks” of happiness will help us focus on the right things so we are not looking for happiness in all the wrong places.
If you participated in this study, what one thing would you say builds your happiness?
