Happiness is a fundamental part of human life. It is the emotion we all crave and seek in almost everything we do. Regardless of our age, gender, or social status, we all want to be happy.

However, as much as we long for happiness, it seems to be very elusive. We are happy one minute, and the next, our mood shifts, and we become unhappy again. The fact is, we all struggle to hold onto happiness.

What is Happiness?

Happiness is a positive emotion that makes us feel good about ourselves. It is a state of mind characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, and contentment.

When we are happy, we are in a state of emotional well-being, which enables us to enjoy life more thoroughly. We often look for happiness in external things such as material possessions, relationships, and achievements. But happiness is not a thing that we can buy or acquire, nor is it a destination to reach.

Happiness is a state of mind that we can cultivate and nurture within ourselves.

Why Holding onto Happiness is a Struggle?

The struggle to hold onto happiness is primarily due to the nature of our mind. Our mind is constantly active, jumping from one thought to another, and if we are not mindful, this can lead to negative thinking, worries, and anxiety.

It is easy to get overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions, and this can quickly shift our mood from happiness to unhappiness.

Another reason why holding onto happiness is a struggle is that we are constantly bombarded with external stimuli that trigger our emotions. The media portrays a picture of what happiness should look like, and this sets unrealistic expectations.

We compare ourselves to others, and if we feel we are not measuring up, we become unhappy. The pressure to conform to societal norms and fit in can be overwhelming, making it hard to find happiness and hold onto it.

The Myths About Happiness

There are many myths about happiness that make it even harder to hold onto. These myths create unrealistic expectations, which can cause disappointment and frustration. Here are some of the most common myths about happiness:.

Myth 1: Happiness means always being positive and happy

This is one of the most significant myths about happiness. The truth is, happiness is not a permanent state. We all experience ups and downs, and it is normal to have negative emotions such as sadness, anger, and frustration.

Striving for constant positivity can create unrealistic expectations and cause us to feel negative emotions when we fail to achieve them.

Myth 2: Happiness comes from external things

This myth assumes that happiness is something that can be bought or acquired through external things such as money, material possessions, or relationships. While these things can enhance our happiness temporarily, they do not provide lasting happiness.

True happiness comes from within and is not dependent on external factors.

Myth 3: Happiness is a goal to reach

Happiness is not a destination to reach. It is a state of mind that we can cultivate and nurture within ourselves. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. It is not something that we can achieve overnight, but it requires consistent effort and practice.

How to Cultivate Happiness

To cultivate happiness, we need to change the way we approach life. Here are some tips on how to cultivate happiness:.

Tip 1: Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is the key to happiness. It helps us focus on the positive things in our lives and appreciate what we have. When we practice gratitude, we shift our attention from what we lack to what we have, which creates a sense of contentment and happiness.

To practice gratitude, write down three things that you are grateful for each day.

Tip 2: Live in the Present Moment

Living in the present moment means being fully engaged in what we are doing right now. When we focus our attention on the present moment, we reduce stress, anxiety, and worries, which enables us to find joy and happiness in what we are doing.

To live in the present moment, practice mindfulness meditation.

Tip 3: Build Meaningful Relationships

Healthy relationships are essential for our emotional well-being. Building meaningful relationships with family, friends, and loved ones creates a sense of belonging and connection, which boosts our happiness and satisfaction in life.

To build meaningful relationships, spend time with your loved ones, listen actively, and communicate openly and honestly.

Tip 4: Practice Self-Care

Self-care is essential for our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. When we take care of ourselves, we feel good about ourselves, which boosts our confidence and self-esteem.

Self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help us cultivate happiness.

Conclusion

Happiness is not a destination to reach, nor is it a thing we can acquire. It is a state of mind that we can cultivate and nurture within ourselves.

The struggle to hold onto happiness is due to our mind’s nature, the external stimuli that trigger our emotions, and the myths that create unrealistic expectations. However, by practicing gratitude, living in the present moment, building meaningful relationships, and practicing self-care, we can cultivate happiness and hold onto it.