她写的有关快乐 (2015/10/06)

HAPPINESS



According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, “happiness” is defined as “a state of well-being and contentment.” But what does the term happiness truly mean? Why is it so desirable? Many people claim that the major goal in life is to be happy. But the first step to doing that is knowing what makes you happy. For me, something that makes me happy is something that I want to do for a long period of time because it is enjoyable. Usually, this is something that I’m good at and/or comfortable with. And because happiness is desirable, this means that being good at something, or success, is desirable. We want happiness, and we hope that success tags along. There is a definite relationship between success and happiness; the joy of overcoming something and achieving more is definitely one kind of happiness. But what about the kind of happiness that comes with reading a good book on a lazy Saturday? There’s the joy of rest and doing something you love, as well as the joy of getting something that you really want. There are many different sources of happiness, but in most cases, it seems to be when we get something we want.

                So why is being happy such a big deal? Is it because it is so difficult to get what we want? Then why do we want things that are so hard to get? I think it’s because getting what you want, and achieving happiness itself is a success, and therefore happiness. Everyone wants to enjoy life and its achievements, but only a few people actually wind up with their dream job or soulmate. Happiness is like this rare object that everyone wants, but only people with the most money, or people who know how to make their success happen, can buy, or achieve it. But there’s no set way, or currency, to achieving, or purchasing happiness.

                So how can we achieve happiness? First, you have know what you want, and know why this will make you happy, or count as a success. Next, you should have a plan to keep you on track. This shouldn’t have a deadline on it- never rush happiness, but do have a vague target in mind so you don’t keep dragging and wind up thirty years old before you achieve this goal. With the plan, you should have lots of tiny chances for victory, or success along the way so it can all build up. But there is no truly defined way to achieve happiness. Do what you love, some people say. Follow your dreams, others claim. But for both of these, you need to know what you love, you need to know what your dreams are. So I think that the root for happiness is to know- what you want and how to get there.