(IBQ is hosted by Chris at 61 Musings, and is a way for introverts to share all that goes into living a quiet life.)
This week’s prompt: What is happiness?
As someone who’s spent most of her life being quiet and anxious, I’m always seeking happiness. I even read The Happiness Project back in 2012, and have tried incorporating some of those findings and lessons into my own life.
Unfortunately, I’m not sure happiness is something one can attain through following a scientific process. It’s a feeling, and — well, duh — something you just have to feel.
Most of it seems to be about getting out of my own way. Why worry about work next week when I should focus on enjoying the weekend?
Weirdly, sometimes my being happy requires me to go out and about, or meet up with a group of people. Being an introvert is fine, but sometimes all that aloneness makes it hard to distract myself from whatever’s got me worried.
My favorite recent happy moments include:
- Doing a new breathing exercise in yoga class that made me feel good
- Driving home from work on Friday knowing I had fun plans that evening
- Cuddling with Best Friend Saturday morning in bed (although he was still completely unconscious)
- Having lunch Saturday with my parents
What makes you happy? What does happiness mean to you?
I completely agree about happiness being about getting out of your own way. Sometimes I know I could just choose to be happy and yet I don’t choose to. Other times, I do. Happiness seems to require a certain state of mind. Have a great week!
Thanks, Trisha. I guess we both need to focus on being in the moment!