Happiness Isn't A Location

So many people in this world are searching for happiness like it is El Dorado waiting to be found. That really ins't the case, happiness is much more.

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There is no doubt that we all want to be happy. We want a good life and enjoy it.

Happiness is not a location, but it is a by-product of enjoying life. 

Have you ever been happy just sitting down and playing video games or watching a movie with a friend while it is raining outside? You didn't need to be at some exotic location sipping margaritas or something. 

The other side is true too, have you ever been on a great vacation and you are not happy because it is raining outside? 

Happiness is a by-product of enjoying life. Things that limit that enjoyment are things like... expectations and loneliness. 

Expectations - Have you ever expected something to be really bad and it turned out it wasn't and you were happy with that? Like expecting a really bad hotel, but it turns out to be a lot nicer than you thought. Even though you have stayed at nicer hotels,  because this one far exceeded your expectations you enjoyed it a lot more. Or expecting a movie to be amazing and it wasn't as good as you thought it would be. Then you leave angry, even though it was a really good movie, it just didn't live up to your expectations. 

Expectations have a way of ruining happiness. If you can find a way to have no expectations or at least realistic ones, then you will find that the you will be happier. Sometimes we are not happy because we don't reach our own expectations. 

Loneliness - Just the other day, I walked out of my house and saw my son's basketball sitting by the front porch. I picked it up and flung it over the garage and I turned the corner in time to see it go in the hoop. A good 50 feet away and nobody saw it.  I was thrilled that it went in, but it was very short lived. There was nobody to share it with. If my son had been there he would have run up and hugged me while screaming. But that didn't happen.

One key to happiness is having people to share life with. It is hard to enjoy life by yourself. A few people can do it, but most of us need to share it with people. That doesn't mean you have to run out and get a girl or boyfriend, but sharing your experiences with others can nurture happiness.

If you look back on your life and think of some of the happiest moments, how many of them were alone?

I am often most content when writing alone, but I'm not my happiest.

Happiness is a by-product of enjoying life... appreciating life and all it has to offer. If you are struggling, there can be happiness in the struggle. It is important to find happiness in the struggle or you are not enjoying life. Life isn't all fun and games and won't be good all the time. Even when it is rough, that is when you really have to appreciate and enjoy life. It is easy to enjoy when things are good. 

What do you think?

Do you agree?

Let me know your thoughts on happiness below.

Thanks for reading... see you in the comments.