I have been thinking a lot lately on these two feelings and how they are often confused with each other. I want to share what I have learned about the two and how to tell the difference between them.
First lets take a look at pleasure. It comes from external sources. It is associated with what we eat, drink, watch, listen to, or certain activities that we participate in. Pleasure is usually fleeting. It is a feeling that will soon leave us when we are no longer doing what was bringing us pleasure. Sometimes we are even left with pain and, or emptiness.
Now let’s look at happiness.
“Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves.”
- Helen Keller
Happiness unlike pleasure does not come from others, or from things. It has to come from within. It begins as a choice, and then an attitude. It comes when we are grateful for what we have and what comes into our lives. It comes when we serve others and forget about ourselves and our own problems. Happiness is the result of living a life based on truths. We can be happy even when faced with great struggles and adversities.
I’ve learned these lessons after some of my own struggles. I’ve also learned some of my greatest lessons on happiness watching others and the way they remained happy even when faced with terminal illness, or after the death of a child, or spouse, or during other struggles or tragedies. Happy people all have one thing in common. They focus on blessings, they are grateful for what is and continue in hope and faith. I am so thankful for the people who have touched my heart with their examples of how to be happy.
May you find the happiness you desire. Look within. It has been there all the time.
-To your happiness.
Daneece
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