Think about some simple things that cause you to experience happiness. What are they? You may think of food, video games, messaging friends, or getting something new, to name a few. The reality is that these things are only temporary pleasures. They have the ability to make you feel content, but how long does this feeling last before you’re seeking out something else to elevate your emotional state? Our society conditions us to constantly seek out happiness and a sense of fulfillment. In the whole scheme of things we do not have a good enough reason to fall short of happiness, yet our mindset continues to work against us. We may feel all right, but we are always seeking out a way to feel better. Our happiness simply isn’t ‘happy’ enough.

Many people grow old without understanding that happiness cannot be sought out or received through material things. What you must do to escape this vicious cycle that has affected all of us is to accept your life and the person that you are. You may experience many more hardships than someone else, but there are still things worthy of your appreciation. Give yourself a purpose, something to work toward and look forward to. Understanding that you will have bad days and will not ever reach a constant state of bliss is crucial. While it may seem to you that others you see are able to maintain elation constantly, you are deceiving yourself. People put up a great front, but do not hold false expectations for your own happiness based on what you perceive to be the emotional states of others.