How does one attain happiness in life

How does one attain happiness in life? How does one find balance and peace in life?

Hi jordangiuseppe, Welcome to Psych Central!

The question you ask is a very open ended question. What one person finds happiness in may not be the same as the next person. Some folks find happiness in the small gifts of life such as a beautiful sunrise/sunset, connection with family and/or friends, having a good paying job and a comfortable home, helping others who are less fortunate than ourselves and the list goes on and on and on.

As for me, there are times I'm happy with life when I can get out of bed with relatively little physical pain. With that happening it can set the tone of the day for me to be a positive, happy day in my life. I also find happiness with my grandchildren. When they come to visit me they have huge hugs and kisses for me and tell me they love me to the moon and back.

Some find happiness in their lives by working towards and achieving a specific goal in life. Obtaining higher education and a degree and then working in the field of that degree may be a way of attaining happiness in their lives.

What are some things in your life that you find some happiness with? Are you unsure of what might make you happy? If so, it's okay, we don't always have the answer to that question. Many times it's a matter of taking a chance on something and seeing where it leads to. Sometimes trial and error are our best educators.

Sorry I couldn't be more specific in answering your question, but hey, there is no specific right or wrong answer to it. One must find one's own way to happiness and I hope you find yours and that the journey there is filled with hope, hard work and finally happiness.

Take good care!

The Skeezyks simply strives to accept things as they are in each current moment... the only time we have...

I'm facing that very question these days myself as I grieve the person I once used to be. My iniability to work prevents me from doing those activities that were once part of a lifestyle that made me very happy or live in a community that is a better fit for me. For 5 years now I have mourned the loss of this lifestyle. Difficult because such activities are part of who I am, part my very fiber and sense of identity.

I have been told I need to lower my expectations, to be realistic. I've posted a few places here... how on earth can I accept a pitiful walk on a flat paved park path when it is a mountainside I have previously become accustomed to?

Hi Jordan and welcome to PC!

For me happiness is an attitude. For the most part, I want to be happy. I like to do things I enjoy. I am aware of just moments of happiness; little things that make me smile are all around me.

I have cried plenty of tears and been so unhappy at times, I feel like I can't go on.

But I bounce back and again see beauty and joy.

Yes, life is a balancing act. There is peace and balance, but again, they are just moments. We all make mistakes, we all fall. Bad things happen to everyone that knocks us off our strides.

In my mind, to base happiness on something physical is futile (like money, career, vacations, etc) because the physical world undergoes constant change. These things can increase your level of happiness and joy, in a temporary fashion. But those who do not manifest happiness from within often find themselves unhappy even when they succeed, or good things happen to them. And if they lose those things, they fall into despair.

To me, happiness is something you grow within... an attitude, as Tisha says. If you manage this, it will resonate from you. For me, it takes a lot of introspection and learning to appreciate; To see beauty and hope in something as simple as a looking out the window to see a faint, warm light shining through the rain in the darkness.

Oh and for me, balance comes more from balancing out my thoughts and eliminating extremes in my thought pattern, more so than balancing my schedule.

I agree with Abraham Lincoln: "Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be."

You decide what you think would make you happy and you go after that. What other people think or are doing or feel about what you are doing are not so important as what you are thinking, feeling, and doing.

Whew! What a bad day I must have been having. Well today is much better.

I've found for me that happiness is less of a feeling and more like being content. Relaxed, worry free, accepting of the way things are, free of regret and not fearful for the future. Not feeling the need to change the moment that you're in, the place that you are of the company you're with.

I am depressed. But I am not unhappy with my life. I have many things that I am content with and that I am grateful for, I am doing something I love (hairdressing) and I have someone who cares deeply about me. I just can't feel it when I'm depressed. For me, you can be happy. Depression doesn't always mean you aren't happy with your life, it means that you aren't well enough to see or feel the happiness x

Fabulous question! And one which only you will know when you find it. I spent many years believing happiness was gained from status, money and how other people perceived me. No! The key to attaining happiness is to be your true self and find love, yep love is the answer. There you go!

Very good question! When I remember to be grateful for people and things in my life I feel much better about life in general. Sometimes I make a gratitude list . Helps a lot

I'm new here. I think awareness is key to attaining happiness in life. Life is sad when you fall into auto-pilot. You have to be conscious with all your actions.