It can seem like a big corner. Just when you feel you’ve got a grasp on happiness, it slips right through you, like butter on your fingers.
I’m 85, and I can tell you that if I had one dollar for every time I’ve experienced that feeling, I’d be a wealthy guy.
I don’t have the answers, but I keep trying. I have lived life, and have had ample time try to get my hands around that feeling. Going way back to when I was 20 or younger, all kinds of questions came to mind about happiness, and a host of other things. What was really interesting was that many of those same questions came to mind when I was 40, and 60, and now in my 80s.
I’ve kept track of those questions, and have put them down where I can refer to them when needed. They’ve been helpful to me, and I believe they’ll be helpful to you in providing some perspective in discovering that slippery feeling of happiness.
After thinking about these questions, hopefully the happiness corner might seem more reachable.
Do you feel that happiness is just around the corner?
Can you recognize happiness?
Is happiness something you think about frequently?
Is happiness in your control?
Is the feeling of happiness a fleeting one?
How many people you know are really happy?
What flaws in your attitude can you change, to make you happier?
Do you take yourself too seriously?
Do mistakes linger?
When you look in the mirror, are you pleased with what you see?
Are you inclined to postpone difficult decisions?
Do you tell it like it is?
What impact does money have in feeling happy?
How do you handle anger?
Do you hold grudges?
Do you try to keep your body in shape?
Are you a worrier?
Do you like to try new things?
Are there people you’d like to punish?
Do people disappoint you easily?
Is it difficult for you to compliment someone?
Are you a cynical person?
If you’re unsure of something, do you get opposing points of view?
Do you strive to keep up with the Joneses?
Do you ever stop to smell the roses?
Do you have a hobby?
Are you a good listener?
Do you know how to unwind?
How do you handle disappointment?
Do people seek you out as a friend?
Does feeling peaceful bring you happiness?
Is happiness more an attitude about life in general?
On the surface, it can seem like there’s a lot of questions, covering a wide selection of subjects. But the truth is, it’s about one subject: you. These questions have expanded my thinking about life and happiness. And thriving. Maybe you’ll have the same reaction.
Follow us here and subscribe here for all the latest news on how you can keep Thriving.
Stay up to date or catch-up on all our podcasts with Arianna Huffington here.