February 18, 2010
How Do You Know When Or If Something Makes You Happy?
I am going through a young life crisis and I am trying to figure out what makes me happy before I set a new set of goals to achieve in my life. I have always done what was suppose to be done or what other people thought was the right thing to do. Now Iam trying to change my ways and live for myself. But I do not know what it feels like when something makes me happy. I can’t tell the difference between what I am suppose to do and what I want to do.
Suggested Reading:
The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient WisdomIn his widely praised book, award-winning psychologist Jonathan Haidt examines the world’s philosophical wisdom through the lens of psychological sc... Read More >
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Comments on How Do You Know When Or If Something Makes You Happy?
If your tail wags, then you are happy.
You can’t quantify happiness. When you feel it you will know it. Not because you have to or are told to but just because.
HI Lisa. I can relate to what you are describing. For much of my life (and even now, at times) too much of my thinking and feelings have been driven by “what am I supposed to do, feel, say, etc.”. It can become so automated that a person actually doesn’t know what they really want to do, feel or say!
One of the insights I have had about this process is that part of this ‘game’ is actually an attempt by my soul or inner voice (or whatever you would like to call it) to remind me that I am here for a purpose. That I am here because there really is ‘something I am supposed to do’ with my life. I believe (once I recognized this) that the ‘I’m supposed to do’s’ that drive me from knowing my true self are really just mis-interpretations about this whole thing.
I’m not sure about how much sense this making, but my suggestion is to start thinking about the bigger picture of ‘what am I here for?’ and ‘what am I supposed to do with my life?” Big questions! But, the big questions take care of all the little questions!
Try reading books about purpose and passion. Any bookstore or Amazon.com will have plenty to choose from. I also highly recommend “Count Your Blessings” by Dr. John Demartini.
Find your passion. What do you love to do (when no one is around)? What do you hate? What makes you angry? What do you fear? These emotions (button pushers!) can guide you towards the issues and conditions that you are here to change. Fear may be the biggest issue. The thing or things we fear the most are usually the things we need to face and overcome. They are the ‘guiding light’ to the issues or actions that we really are meant to conquer.
Best wishes and think about the big picture – then the little pictures will fall into place.
I find happiness in achieving things. Set goals that aren’t too easily attainable. You may have to work a little for it, but it certainly makes you happy when you do. How does happy feel? I never rode a motorcycle until I was over 50. The accomplishment (not to mention the looks from the guys!) make me happy. Do something out of the ordinary,