It's an Attitude...

By definition, Happiness is a mental state of well being characterized by positive emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.  It was recently brought to my attention that in order to truly be considered "happy" one must be happy all the time.  Reality is that no one is truly happy at every moment, however, that doesn't mean that one is not happy overall. 

In a "normal world" we are allowed to have a bad minute, hour, day, week, month or even a year if we want.  That however doesn't mean that we are not happy, just we are having a bad moment.  Some people, ok most people, find happiness in the little things, which when put together, completes happiness on a larger level.  For others, and it's a small number, this is not the case.  These people are generally unhappy in their daily lives, and deflect their unhappiness on others in order to make their unhappiness seem less. 

Is this fair?  To say hurtful things to other people to make yourself feel better?  To do things to try and bring other people down? What kind of person does this?

Just a short while ago I was told that I was a miserably unhappy person.  This caught me completely off guard because it is so far from the truth.  Sure, I have bad days, just like every other person does, but I am truly happy.  Not always happy with my situation at times, not always happy with every person at every moment, but overall, happy.  So, where is the line drawn and do we really have to prove to other people our sense of happiness? 

In my opinion, being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.  Nothing is perfect.  It's appreciation for who we are, and what we have.  It's a general feeling of self worth, of love, and respect for yourself and for others.  Its an attitude, and it's up to you to decide the path you take.  I know which path I choose...

"Happiness is an attitude.  We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong.  The amount of work is the same".  (Francesca Reigler)