Should we try to be happy?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Should we try to be happy?
13
Fri, 12-30-2005 - 5:05pm

I was reading a post on another board that got me thinking of this question. About how some people just seem to live a miserable life because they choose a certain perspective that takes out all the joy. In my spiritual path over the years, I have studied various religions, practiced a few, was raised in one, and I found some to be very different than the others, regarding this thing called "happiness" here in this life.

What do you think? Is there a possibility of being happy in this life? Should you seek it out? Are you responsible for anyone else's happiness besides your own? How do you define happiness? Should the definition be the same for everybody? Does your definition have anything to do with your spiritual path or belief system?

Gypsy



Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-04-2006
Wed, 01-11-2006 - 11:15am

I believe we should try to be as positive as possible. I have been buried so deep in problems (emotional, physical, financial, family) that I thought there was no way out. And it's not over yet. But by the grace of God, and the charity of friends and family things improved. Yes, we are responsible for our own happiness, and trying to lift others. But we cannot be responsible for keeping others happy. I have tried at times, and ended up being depressed myself. Reliance on God and his Word are the only way. As a dear uncle told me, "we must live our lives and make plans for the future, with all due diligence," meaning, get in the car, sit down, shut up and drive. God cannot steer a parked car!"

If we consider ourselves "a work in progress," then how can we not beleive there will be improvements. I talk to God all the time, praise Him in song, tell Him what I like and don't like about my life, but above all thank Him for the blessings I have been given. I know that God wants me to choose to love Him, and follow Him.

Enough preaching for today, just joyfully accept the blessings in your daily life, and you will bless others!

hollyhocks447

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Thu, 01-12-2006 - 12:31pm

"Enough preaching for today, just joyfully accept the blessings in your daily life, and you will bless others!"

In my spiritual beliefs, I call this living in the "present moment." And working with what IS and not what I *think* it is. Accepting and moving forward as best I can. I think it's important to know how to feel gratitude, even if it's just for sunshine that reduces the heating bill. ;)) Everything has a season and a reason, if we but are awake enough to learn the lessons.

Gypsy



Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 12-23-2003
Mon, 01-16-2006 - 9:01am

Hi, Gypsy..


Happiness is joy.

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