We hear so much about being happy. “Happy” is one of the favorite songs of many, myself included. It truly makes me feel happy when I hear it, but is that actual happiness? I ask you, are you happy? We all sometimes reflect on our life at different stages, asking ourselves if we are happy.
Sometimes it depends on the day or situation. Is happy a day by day situation? It’s definitely a feeling. Is it situational or controlled by the weather? Can you start off happy and then have your day hijacked? Maybe it's about how much you accomplished that day, or that week, or in your life so far.
Does being happy come with a lot of pressure, if maybe you’re so happy right now? Maybe we can just look at happy as one of our moods instead of a destination. Does smiling or laughing mean you’re happy? Have you ever been told to smile, because you have so much to be happy about, but you really don't feel like smiling? Does this mean you’re not happy?
Take a moment to consider the people in your life who seem happy for no reason. Why are they happy? There’s a saying that someone is so happy they must be on happy pills. Is there such a thing? Some things that make me happy include my grandchildren, my children, my husband and my family; my caring friends, my accomplishments, my home, my garden, my hair clients, my radio show and my listeners, my clients and my furry babies. Really, the list goes on and on.
Then why do we question happiness? What is on your list? As this year ends and the new one approaches, take a moment to count your blessings and think about what makes you happy. It could be the caring people in your life or accomplishing the things that are important to you. Happy means so many things to so many people. Just as we are all individuals, this falls under the same category, as being happy is an inside job.
After rethinking this I will not put so much pressure on being happy every minute. Some days may not be happy, and if we can just be happy about that and in acceptance, it’s okay. It’s a great place to be and strive for, because when you feel happy for no apparent reason, you’re truly happy and you’ve earned it.
Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season & a Healthy, Prosperous New Year!
Kim Pagano is brought to you by the award-winning talk radio station AM 1590 KVTA. She brings you the Brighter Side of the 805, Saturdays from 7 to 8 a.m., reminding us how important it is to "Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good." Subscribe to her podcast: ITunes/The Kim Pagano Show.