Always Striving for Happiness can Cause Dissatisfaction with Life.

Happiness is often seen as a goal, for example: ’I will be happy when I have that phone, car or person in my life’. However, this means it is short lived and cannot be sustained. Once we reach the goal we typically think of something else we need to achieve in order to reach it again. So, we constantly heighten the target, moving onto the next thing that will ‘make us happy’.

Happiness then, seems dependent on a result, unlike joy which can be seen as a process, something we do or are, brings us joy. It is so important to seek out those processes that bring joy into our lives and this will vary for everyone. What makes you joyful? Is it going for a walk in the countryside or being with children? Is it singing, reading or listening to music? There are so many different ways of experiencing it.

‘Joy’ is felt in the moment, and it is so important for our well-being. Like other feelings it comes and goes but we can take note of those situations or processes where we feel it and so become more aware of what brings it for us. We can then ensure we seek out opportunities to fill our lives with as much as possible.