What is the key to happiness in life?

[JonnyBoy12]

Sorry if this seems a silly question, but will ask it anyway. What is the key to happiness? I have never really known happiness in my life at all, but know quite a few people who claim to be. Some people say that you will never be really happy in this life, and that is only meant for the next world.

I know the quote "Happiness is hard to find within oneself, but impossible to find anywhere else", but who said this?

Are all of you happy on here, and if so then can you share your secret with us? Thanks as usual for your speedy replies.

[arwyn]

I believe that People can only be happy when they realize that things are as good as they are going to get so they must make the most of things..

[Postdog]

contentment with what you have.

[boxtops]

Hard to agree about the next life suggestion, as not everyone believes in a "next life" - but my view these days is that if you are happy in your own skin, you can cope better with the knocks of life. Some people seem permanently dissatisfield and I am sorry for them, they are always reaching for something else but they don't know what it is. Liking yourself, and being confident that you are doing your best, is a good place to start. Humans are (generally) sociable beasts too, so loving family and good friends is a good feeling too.

[bednobs]

i think it's something to do with how you are as a person,

[carmalee]

being content with your lot

[Hymie]

Although money cannot buy happiness – I have been reliably informed that it at least brings a pleasant sort of misery.

[Sqad]

I have no idea............and even if I did, there would be very little I could do about it.

I rarely analyse life or it's meaning.

[carmalee]

Hymie - my father's favourite expression - Money doesn't by happiness but it does enable one to be miserable in comfort

[NOX]

To have something to love and to have something to be loved by, money doesn't bother me, nor does power now or anything else, just people and experiences and being able to look myself in the eye so to speak about how I live my life.

[redman41]

Life is a Roller Coaster ride where all your emotions are put to the Test over a lifetime.
Wish we could be happy and contented all the time but that is not possible
You are not alone JonnyBoy just be happy and contented as often as possible.

[starone]

postdog and carmalee are exactly right - contentment is the key and don't keep mogueing after what you cannot have and are not likely to get.

[bagpuss63]

I always thought it was 'at least i have good health' -but since my emergency liver transplant, (never drank) had continuous bad health,2 people stole my money,SINCE- so happiness is contentment in your life, and good family and friends-which i don't have..

[weecalf]

I would imagine the word happy is a wee bit misleading .Happy can mean being joyous or it can mean being contented with .So being happy means different things to different people .People can to happy to stay at home all day that does not mean they sit around laughing all day .

[starone]

oh dear bagpuss - you have not got much to be contented with at the moment. I suppose I was thinking more in terms of possessions and relationships. No reason why you cannot rant and rave at the way life treats you. Life itself is not fair but if you can find an inner tranquillity it helps a great deal. Please don't think I have gone through life unscathed - that would be impossible.

[venator]

I agree with all the posts that say don't beat yourself up with things you can't have, and appreciate what you have.

One word for Bagpuss - it helps if you can live your life in "boxes" - put all the bad things in one, and make one for the good things.

Many people do this without thinking about it - you go to work and move into your "work" box, leaving other things behind.

At least, thinking about good things and good memories may give some comfort.

[Bobbisox]

Morning Johnny and all,
my take on this would be to go to bed at the close of day, knowing you have tried helping other people and not hurt them, this to me, brings inner happiness

[bagpuss63]

Thanks starbucks,and Venator, I'll try that.

[nohorn]

I really like Bagpus's reply. It does give one peace of mind. Of course, it would not work if you were an evil person.
nohorn

[emmie]

Love, from family, friends, and someone special. And enough money in the bank to not fret every time a bill pop through the door.

[nohorn]

l I am getting dingy........I meant Bobbisox's reply. Not hurting anyone is very important to me.