Here’s what I’ve discerned in my 48 years: Happiness does not occur as the result of the big, important moments that we *think* make us happy, but rather the small, seemingly insignificant moments that we tend to take for granted. What I mean is that if you can find gratitude in small things like sleeping in a house with a good roof, or having enough food to feed your family, or safely making it home at the end of a day after being out amongst the crazies, then you’re going to accumulate a lot more happy moments. As a result, you’ll be happier than not. However, if you walk around with spite, rage, jealousy, and resentment in your heart – you’re basically accumulating bitter, contentious moments. Little opportunities for happiness become pain points because you’re not getting your way about something. People I know who are more consumed with angry moments than happy ones are invariably unhappy people who think that big, fleeting moments are the important things in life. They have no idea how to let go of bad things – and they lack gratitude for little things.
I’m telling you – making your mind up to see the small, good things in life is the secret to happiness. It’s not brain surgery. It’s simple math. Zig Ziglar once said of sales that, “The little yeses add up to the big yes.” I think this is also true of a happy life.
Will Conley
Nov 8, 2012
I believe you.
Vincent
Nov 8, 2012
I’ve always been a big fan of formal Stoicism…never riding too high or low while saving energy and storing fuel during the good times so you can use it when times are lean. The philosophy values life in concordance with the physical/natural world while maintaining a free will.
We’ve forgotten: good meal and a chance to rest was all it took to make us happy…at one time.
Lee Porter
Nov 8, 2012
man, i need some happy moments.
trying to let go.
Summer Joy Boone
Nov 28, 2012
Life is always about the little things…..both good and bad. 🙂
Jim Mitchem
Nov 28, 2012
You’re right, Summer. http://obsessedwithconformity.com/1250/little-things/
Jim Mitchem
Nov 28, 2012
And http://obsessedwithconformity.com/1387/experiences/
Rick Wion
Apr 23, 2013
Great piece…love how you blend a small, almost sacred truth with an amazing succinct point.
David John
Sep 16, 2013
I think this the right guidance about happiness. Thanks for giving us such a good advice for What is the secret to happiness. We will surely implement on these things . So be happy in life and enjoy the life.
My novel – Minor King
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