Where Can We Find Happiness?

Happiness. What is it really? Some say it's an emotional state of mind that carries you through the best and worst times of your life. Others believe it's a drug that takes over the most rational person and spreads like wildfire. Once happiness comes to you, it's hard to let go of. Finding it, on the other hand, is much trickier. You need to know where to begin and for some it's impossible to know where to start. Decide your starting point and just go from there.

For me, find personal happiness has been fleeting. One moment it's within my grasp, and the next is gone. I'm gaining some steam with my social life by gaining more friends to hang out with. The only downside to my newfound friends is the fact that I have no job and still live at home. A perfect example of glass half full and half empty the next. It's time for me to figure out how to have more good days than bad days because I'm tired of the bad ones.

Examine your lifestyle and the people that hang out with you to see how they fare. Here are five life choices to give you an idea how you can obtain your own inner bliss. Read through the points carefully to create your personalized plan to take charge of your life from now on.

Career Choices-

Choose a job that best suits your professional interests. Don't settle for a job that makes you miserable. There are times where you have to work at a job you hate, but you can always look for something better regardless. The light is always at the end of the 9 to 5 tunnel. I worked in a customer service position for more than two years and there were times I was completely miserable. I wanted to quit in the middle of shifts on several occasions but something always held me back. Was it the need for a steady paycheck? Probably. Was it my workplace friends? Likely. I'll never know. I tried to balance that job with doing some writing at home to make me feel better, which usually worked. Find a job that best suits you and stick with it until the next one comes your way.

Family and Friends-

Find people you trust to be there for you no matter what. It's ideal to have a support system to encourage you and give you a good swift kick in the butt when necessary. When it comes to family, you're stuck with them from the day you're burn until the bitter end. They'll never leave you even if you've done the worst possible deeds. I used to hang around friends that only used me like a disposable wipe. Now, I'm more careful who I let into my circle that won't burn me intentionally. I'm trying to be a more understanding person, but there are days where that completely flies out the window. Learn how to forgive and never forget the mistakes before moving on.

Favorite Hobbies-

All that can be said about this is to have fun and play as much as possible. Remember that all work and no play makes you very miserable. No one wants that to happen. So, pick up your tennis racket or put on your running shoes. Time to play until we pass out.

Taking a Risk-

Adventure is the name of the game. It keeps life interesting, or at least your latest journal entry. Go take a skydiving class. Learn ballroom dancing. Sing karaoke badly. Let go whatever's holding you back because the real adventure is exploring the unknown. No one cares if you land on your feet or fall on your face. Experience everything life has to offer before throwing in the towel.

Liking yourself-
Take a look in your mirror. What do you see? Do you like what you see? If you answered no to those questions, cover your mirror and accept yourself flaws and all. Disregard any naysayers trying to put you down. As the cliched saying goes, you're your own worst enemy. Be friends with yourself before being friends with others. Once you got that figured out, you're all set.

Finally, happiness is something that can't be an easily tangible item. It's a metaphysical puzzle piece that's written in invisible ink. All you've to do is read between the lines with the right prescription and happiness is yours for the taking. The only trick is learning how to keep it, which is entirely up to you. Realize that you're the only one that's responsible for your own happiness and you should be fine. If not, that's on you too.