Capturing the Core Sources of Happiness

Happiness is something humans have been searching for since we began as a species a long time ago. In some ways, it is the motivation for everything we do. Every activity completed in our lives is at least partially rooted in the desire to find fulfillment.

Now, we can continue to search externally for this “happiness source,” but we will simply keep looking for infinity. With this kind of mentality, a person will never be satisfied. That is why we must reach within ourselves to find these feelings of fulfillment, as these core sources can then be applied to the outside world.

So, I would like to offer six tips on how to find these core sources of happiness even in the darkest of times, drawing from my personal experiences and reflections. So, sit back, relax, and let’s take a closer look on how to bring out your inner joy.

1. Self-Reflection is Key

Think deeply about all the things that make you happy. What commonalities between them can you find? These common features will lead you closer to your core sources of happiness. For me, I know that I enjoy playing sports, listening to music, being outdoors, and problem solving. Common themes I found in these activities is that each was always better for me with people. Any way that I can incorporate interactions with others helps bring me joy. Overall, reflecting about activities that make you happy and making connections between them is the first step in understanding your own intrinsic sources of joy.

2. Look Past the Material Parts of the World

As stated earlier, happiness can never truly be found in an inanimate object or position of power. You give those activities meaning, but this can easily change. So, when you do not get that job promotion or gift you wanted, remember that this happiness is fleeting anyways. These temporary sources of happiness are also thankfully temporary sources of disappointment; the earlier you realize this, the faster you can get back to a state of fulfillment and joy.

3. Put Problems in Perspective

It can be easy to sulk when things are not going your way, but it is essential that you remember what other people are also going through. For instance, I am sad that I have not been able to see any of my friends in person for quite a while due to COVID-19, but I really cannot complain. There are people dying, people who are not able to pay their bills, families torn apart, and other individual problems that I am not willing to compare to mine. In this sense, it makes it easier for me to push aside my problems and look on the brighter side of things.

4. Ask Others for Directions

In my last blog post, I described the idea of your “life car” and who you decide to invite to drive with you on your journey. Depending on who is in your car, that will affect who you can turn to for help when you are feeling down. Remember, some passengers might not be as supportive as others because they are there to simply have a good time or for other reasons. Either way, those passengers that you can truly count on are those who you actually want to keep in your car. In times of stress and disappointment, these are the people you should turn to for encouragement and support.

5. Be Present

Live in the present. This is something I have always struggled with and am continuing to work on to this day. Dwelling about the past and “what could have been” is not beneficial, and it only leads to perpetuation of dejection and sorrow. However, when I tell myself that the past IS THE PAST and that I need to move forward, I am able to overcome these feelings of sadness.

6. Remember the Rainbow

Anyone who has ever seen rain has almost definitely seen the magical rainbow directly afterwards. Life does throw you in a rain storm every once in a while, but it is important to remember that it will eventually end. When it does, enjoy the rainbow and the good times that will follow. Pain and disappointment is temporary as long as you stay true to your core values and sources of happiness. The rainbow will always be there for you, so carry on and push through those hard times to cultivate your own eternal happiness.