Living Happiness Instead of Searching for It

As a counsellor, I often hear comments or complaints about not feeling satisfied, or happy. That’s a big reason people see counsellors. I remember complaining about the same thing when I was younger, frustrated at the effort I took to search for and never really grasp the happiness I longed for.

It was definitely a driver for me, guiding me to try new and different things. Daring me to risk when I otherwise wouldn’t. Moving me – always – towards what I felt at the time would bring me happiness.

It would always include meaningful relationships, almost always include interesting work that paid well. It would steer me towards my unquenchable thirst for knowledge and understanding of my world and the people in it.

That inner drive eventually led me to my current profession as counsellor.

Along the way of all this I discovered that I was truly happy. I couldn’t tell you when that happened. I simply found it to be so.

What I discovered is that happiness isn’t a thing, or a possession, but a state of being. I achieved it because I lived that state of being, and still do.

It doesn’t mean that I am always happy. It does mean that happiness is my norm. I hope it’s yours as well.

Quote of the Week

Happiness is not the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.

― Franklin D. Roosevelt

Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life?

Announcements

Maryanne Nicholls is a Registered Psychotherapist.  To find out more, gain access to her weekly newsletter, meditations and programs, sign up at www.thejoyofliving.co . 

If you’re interested in the topic of avoiding burnout for people who do too much, you may be interested in checking out my youtube channel.