Do you consciously try to be happy?

8 replies

TheyreMadITellYouMaaaad · 01/02/2016 13:52

Is it possible?

OP posts:

misscph1973 · 01/02/2016 14:01

Yes. Although it's hard this time of year ;) I try to make mental lists of what I am grateful for and I try to be positive about people even when they are negative.

Are you unhappy?

LadyMaryofDownt0n · 01/02/2016 14:10

Yes, I focus on my blessings & that keeps me happy (most of the time). No point focusing on the negative, I want to enjoy my life. I say this as someone who hasn't got a lot materially.

cheapskatemum · 01/02/2016 22:20

I like your username, for someone who hasn't got a lot materially . In some ways, I find it easier to be happy with not a lot, there's less pressure, but maybe that's just me. I definitely do "consciously try to be happy", because I really don't like the alternative. I have been unhappy in the past - due to family circumstances outside my control - and I'm so grateful we found a way through. I learnt a lot during that time though.

AlanPacino · 02/02/2016 06:41

Yes, because I know when I am happy I am more able to make others lives better and in turn, making others happy, makes me happy. I can't see the benefit of not wanting to be happy?

AlanPacino · 02/02/2016 06:42

Is it possible? Not all the time or for everyone sadly. But again people that feel good are in a better place to help.

VelvetGreen · 02/02/2016 09:55

Someone asked a similar question here last year and i hope you don't mind if i give the same answer.

I think the pursuit of happiness is overrated. No-one can be happy all the time - we will all have difficult times and suffering to endure now and again. When i am happy it is always tinged with a sadness of knowing it can't last.

For me, the way through this to a place of contentment has been to find a middle path - not one where you don't feel or care, but one where the highs and lows are just passing weather - one is not particularly sought and the other is not avoided. Ironically my life is 'happier' since i stopped trying to cling to being happy while fearing the sad times.

VulcanWoman · 02/02/2016 10:04

I think I am here to learn lessons not necessarily to be happy, if I am then it's a bonus.

misscph1973 · 02/02/2016 10:57

As I get older, I get more scared of what I can lose, and of dying - I don't feel immortal as I did in my 20s. Maybe that's part of the territorry when you become a parent?

I'm more conscious and aware of how my quality of life is now. And I agree, it's easier to appreciate what you have when you have very little. But it's also really soul destroying being poor. I have had long periods of worrying about hot to pay the bills and food, and it's still deep in me, although I am fine now (not rich at all, but at least not struggling anymore).

I feel more grounded now. And "being happy" is something I have to remember that I am, deep down, even when things are difficult.