What is the Meaning of Faith? Happiness

In this article of “What is the Meaning of Faith” we shall explore the emotion of happiness, what makes us happy and how faith can play its role in making us happy.

 

Definition of Happiness

 

Biologically happiness comes from the chemical Serotonin. This chemical is produced naturally in the body and one of its effects is to elevate our moods, thus making us feel happy. The stimuli that produces this chemical can be wide and varied and will also produce differing levels of the substance. The ecstasy of our football team winning an important match will produce an extreme high which in turn is likely to be followed by an anti-climatic feeling when the ecstatic mood wears off. The contentment we feel on our wedding day is likely to last much longer as the release of Serotonin is not so rapid and therefore not so exhaustive.

 

Happiness in Individuals

 

The phrase “one mans’ meat is another mans’ poison” is very apt when thinking about happiness in individuals. What makes one person happy is not necessarily what somebody else is searching for in the pursuit of happiness. It maybe that some people need financial security and will not be happy until they can see a nest egg building up. Others thrive on living life on the edge and financial security isn’t a matter of concern to them. For many the attainment of love and companionship is what they think most likely to provide happiness. Throughout our lives our needs and wants change and what makes us happy at the age of twenty is likely to be different at the age of sixty.

 

So, What Can We Do to Make Ourselves Happy?

 

Generally speaking it is almost impossible to feel more than one emotion at a time. If we are stressed we cannot be happy. By being in a state of depression we cannot experience motivation. We must eliminate bad or unwanted emotions by understanding what is making us feel unhappy and then finding ways to reduce these negative feelings. This may not immediately make us feel better but it does open the door for happiness to find its way in.

 

We need also to understand what it is that is going to make us happy. By identifying what we believe will make us happy, it then becomes much easier to visualise our desired outcome and the feelings of happiness that comes with it. Picturing ourselves in happy situations will surprisingly, very quickly bring a smile to our faces. When situations that will bring happiness have been identified, we then have to action them, persevering until we have succeeded and thus bringing the rewards of satisfaction and happiness.

 

Having a purpose in life does amazing things for our self esteem and self confidence. It can also bring happiness. For many without life purpose life seems pointless, mundane and miserable. Having a reason for living also gives us a reason for getting out of bed in the morning.

 

Family, friends and partners can have a dramatic effect on happiness. Problems seem so much smaller when shared. Socialising provides an escape from our problems but it must be remember that the problems still need to be dealt with and by solving them this provides a sense of satisfaction in itself. It isn’t just the nasties in life that friends and family should be there for; sharing our joyful experiences with friends and loved ones seems to increase that level of happiness we gain from our moments of success and triumph.

 

Thinking positively and optimistically provides us with self confidence. Thus it is indeed very possible to remain happy during times of crisis in the hope and belief that one day these issues will be resolved. Thinking positive thoughts does take practice particularly if one has lived a life accustomed to negative thinking and perceived failure, but building up hope and optimism will open us up to the emotion of happiness.

 

Happiness and Religion

 

Optimism, self confidence and positive thinking can be strongly under pinned with a deep faith in God. Believing in God provides a safety net if we should fall. Problems can be handled with far more conviction and courage knowing that God looks after those who look after themselves.

 

How fantastic is that?

 

Terry Norrington

~ by tnorrington on July 17, 2009.