The Recipe For Unhappiness

 

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A lot of people are unhappy today, mostly because of their social and economic statuses. But what really is the real cause of unhappiness? 

Can economic and social status make you happy? Relatively, some may say, but in my opinion, I don't think they do.



Happiness is something we make. We synthesize happiness from even ugly situations. You find highly placed and wealthy individuals who are unhappy. You'll also find wretchedly poor people who are the happiest people you'll ever find.

Sure enough, you can find rich and happy people, and also poor and unhappy people. I'm not trying to say that riches bring unhappiness or that poverty brings happiness. As a matter of fact, if you've experienced both riches and poverty, you'll agree that to be rich is way better.

Unhappiness in itself is a state of mind. It is independent of possessions or social standing. It is a decision we make. We decide to be happy or unhappy, irrespective of the situations we find ourselves.

The recipe then for unhappiness then is what. I believe it's dissatisfaction. What do I mean by that? 

Our level of satisfaction with what we have or who we are, above all things determines our emotional states including happiness.

Now, are we trying to suggest that being satisfied with who we are or what we've got means we don't attempt improvement or growth? Far from it. You know, English language has a way of making words mean something it's not intended to mean.

Satisfaction in our context does not imply refraining from improvement. By all means, we are supposed to be improving in all aspects of our lives. As long as we are alive and adding years, we should be adding other things as well.

But dissatisfaction with our current lot, means ungratefulness, and is what really makes us unhappy. 

So, in other words, I can say that the real recipe for unhappiness here is ungratefulness.

Most of us are better off socially and financially more than 95% of the whole world, but who do we look at at a daily basis? Who do we compare ourselves with on an hourly basis? The other 5% of other people who are placed above us socially and economically.

We do not count our blessings. We do not look and appreciate the things we have. Food to eat, A roof over our heads, Clean water to drink, Good Healthcare when we are ill, Family, Friends and the list goes on.

We synthesize unhappiness for ourselves by overlooking what we have, no matter how little. We instead focus on what we lack. This my friend is the real cause of unhappiness all over the world.

Can I ask you something? Have you ever looked at, say a very poor person, or let's say, a physically challenged person, and wonder how they manage to live their lives? Or how they are even happy with what they have?

Most of them don't even think that way. They have come to be grateful and happy for life, and for the millions of other things that they have. Why then should you not be grateful. 

You have every reason to be happy. Abraham Lincoln rightly said: 'Most men are as happy as they make up their minds to be.' Why not make up your mind to be happy today.

Be grateful for all the good things you've been blessed with. Try to list at least 10 things that you're grateful for, and read that list everyday. 

Synthesize your own happiness. Life is too short to be unhappy even for a minute. The stress associated with unhappiness and sadness can lead to physical ailments. 

Even if you're in a difficult situation. Don't worry, no condition is permanent. Maintain a positive mental attitude. Be happy and keep working, and soon enough, you'll come out victorious.

Be grateful, Be Happy!!!