What Does Happiness Look Like? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

What Does Happiness Look Like?

Happy people are the prettiest.

4457
What Does Happiness Look Like?
tumblr

What does happiness look like?

Happiness. It’s what life is all about. It’s the motive behind all of our actions and what we spend our entire life chasing. But sometimes, life gets the best of us and happiness becomes something we no longer know how to attain. There’s one question many of us yearn to understand: How do you find a happiness that is ever-present? One that doesn’t rely on outside sources or false senses of validation? One that is eternal and that comes from within?

I’m here to tell you what happiness looks like.

Happiness looks like having your own back. It looks like setting your own standards and being unapologetically you. It looks like making decisions and not questioning yourself. Happiness is calling your own shots and not caring what anyone thinks.

Happiness looks like not getting everything you want. As we grow older, we meet people with the nicest cars, houses and jobs. Some are happy and some are the most miserable, unfulfilled two-dimensional people we’ve ever met. This is because happiness does not come from an outside source, it comes from within. If you always look toward the next new thing in life, you will never be content and happy. Once the excitement about whatever it is you were after fades, you will look toward the next best thing, always failing to see the value of what’s in front of your eyes. It is a cycle that will leave you feeling empty, not happy.

Happiness is not convincing yourself that you’re asking for too much. Everything you want and are looking for is out there. Never ever lower your standards or expectations so you can finally be “happy.” I promise you will find exactly what it is that you are looking for if you stay true to yourself and what you want.

Happiness is not ignorance. Happiness is about fully acknowledging and accepting the truth for what it is. The truth is always liberating, and pretending to ignore what you know is the truth will leave you disappointed. The truth will allow you to stop being fooled by people’s words and only see who they are through their actions. This will allow you to call quits on the BS and move on with dignity and pride.

Happiness is not about other people; it is about you. Happiness cannot be found at the bar inside of your fourth cup of vodka cranberry. It cannot be found in that next hot guy or girl. It cannot be found by making others feel small just so you can feel tall. Stop looking for happiness by seeking out false senses of validation. Nothing and no one will make you feel happy but yourself. Surrounding yourself with those who love and accept you for who you truly are can add to your already present happiness though!

Happiness costs absolutely nothing. Happiness should never come at the cost of abandoning your self-respect and gut feelings. Happiness is about following that and not being sorry for doing so. Don't spend your money on things thinking that it will bring you happiness. Trust yourself and your inner voice. It will guide you to great places.

Happiness is simple. Love yourself, be true to yourself, surround yourself with those who value you and be done with those who don’t. Have healthy boundaries and set your own standards. You are the captain of your own ship and you call the shots.

And always remember, fate loves the fearless. I believe in you!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

3256
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1965
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

201259
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21580
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments