Happiness

Whose job is it to make sure I am happy?

From an early age, we are taught we have a right to embark upon “the pursuit of happiness.” This is even mentioned in our constitution as an inalienable right for all people. So we search every nook and cranny for a sign or a direction that will lead us to it as though it may be a destination. We often envision it as being something we will know when we see it, as though it hangs in the abyss somewhere. We attempt to find happiness in every relationship. When we don’t find it there we say “he/she wasn’t Mr/Mrs Right.” We make purchases based on this pursuit and then wonder why we are in debt. We have all the right toys yet feel that same emptiness where happiness belongs. We often begin to believe there must be something wrong with us since we haven’t found happiness. Therefore we may attempt to change who we are with alcohol or drugs. Or maybe we will simply try to become numb to the emptiness all in the name of “the pursuit of happiness.”

But I wonder,whose responsibility is my happiness? Is happiness something that comes from another person? Is someone holding my happiness and I don’t know it? So many questions...

As a counselor in the Mental Health field, I often see unhappiness. It can be disguised as anger, bitterness, resentment, discontentment, and/or sadness. In Mental Health terms, Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder,or maybe even Bipolar. The list goes on. But what if we already have what we need to be happy? What if it is hiding inside each of us waiting for us to tap into it? One thing is inherently true; our happiness is our responsibility. We begin to understand this as we look honestly at our reflection in the mirror. This will help us accept who we are, however, it is the starting point of the process. With that acceptance comes healing which opens us up to peace, aka happiness.