Happiness and Satisfaction

I dislike the word "happiness," but for the sake of clear communication
with the rest of the world, I shall momentarily put aside my preference
for personal connotation and utilize the word to express the generally
accepted meaning.










Happiness and Satisfaction. It's what everyone seems to be seeking.

It's also what none of them seem to be finding.



As easily-stressed out as I may be, I consider myself to be a fairly happy
AND satisfied person. Especially in terms of relative happiness and satisfaction,
when compared to the overall average of everyone else.

Why?

I am happy and satisfied because I know what I want.



How else can anyone expect to be happy and satisfied? With the exception of
general statements about every kind of negativity possible, there is nothing
I hear people say more than, "I am looking for happiness" or "I am trying to
find happiness."

Happiness is not an object that can be found. This is why so many people
remain unhappy and cannot coherently express WHY they are unhappy.

Happiness is not an object, it is a derivative. Happiness is a derivative
because it must be derived from something, whether it be possession, person,
or place.

One does not simply "find happiness," it simply is not possible.



It is absolutely impossible to be happy without first knowing what exactly
will satisfy you.

It is absolutely impossible to be satisfied without first knowing what
exactly will make you happy.







I feel like I have not said this enough.

But really! This is the problem! People are unhappy because they simply
have not taken the time to define what they believe can have the power to
bring them happiness.







I certainly understand that there are other causes for unhappiness, but
this is the most fundamental one.

Another chief cause of unhappiness occurs when a person does know where his
or her happiness would potentially be found, but cannot reach that place.

For instance, the person that wants to find happiness in a high-paying job
cannot achieve happiness because of a lack of job openings or the requirement
to work his or her way up the employment ladder.



How to cope with this? How to be happy when happiness is being blocked?



Steady happiness (joy, fulfillment) cannot be found within such impermanent
(shallow) things like money and jobs because of their changing nature.

Therefore, for a more steady happiness (joy, fulfillment) to be achieved, one's
goal should not rest in such impermanent (shallow) things, but rather a more
steady and unchangeable goal.







For me, these steady and unchangeable goals are very humanitarian in nature.

Sanctified and selfless compassion
Altruism
Balance and moderation
Catharsis
Non-proselytism
Empowerment
Empathy
Non-complaining
Responsibility
Outspokenness
Positive attitude
Integrity
Synergy



These steady and unchangeable goals can be achieved anywhere, regardless of
job status or current wages; regardless of living condition or current situation.

When one's life is focused on such "higher-callings," the superficiality of
material things is revealed and a concern with "happiness" fades away.








That was a weak conclusion. My apologies.

Upcoming topic: Advice-Giving.