Happiness is a state of contentment and pleasure, often associated with positivity and optimism. Contentment is a disposition of satisfaction. Both happiness and contentment vary from person to person, depending upon a lot of environmental factors surrounding an individual. But to be able to achieve both states, happiness and contentment should first and foremost be shared with others, should be reflected by the giver, to be able to achieve the true meaning of what it means to be happy and healthy. The fable story by Walter Hoge, Easter: McEaster Valley, takes the reader along an otherworldly journey through the mountains of the Sierra and into a strange world where the author describes a place of tranquility, serenity, and wonderful elegance. Hoge shares the inherent beauty and simplicity found in the natural world and the importance of taking care of that world given by an omnipotent and infinite being. To commit to taking care and respecting the planet that people call home leads a person to appreciate life even more, and eventually, finding contentment and happiness from such an undertaking.
How to be Happy
Happiness is a choice; a person should choose to think and act to be happy. This includes a person taking responsibility for their actions and choosing not to blame others if things go wrong. It is choosing to look at the upside of life rather than focusing on the unfavorable circumstances. It does not mean that choosing to be happy means avoiding pain and sadness altogether. Pain and sadness are natural human reactions, so it is only normal to go through and process these emotions. Happiness is more of a person’s ability to process, interpret, and react to situations. For instance, a stressful working environment causes an individual’s irritable behavior at the end of a work day’s shift. Knowing that prolonged irritability can affect an individual’s relationship with other people, sometimes even start a fight or an argument when provoked, should the person still choose to remain irritable and risk the chance of broken relationships? The solution is to let go of stress and choose to be happy. How? Breathe deeply. Smile. Laugh. Develop an attitude of being grateful for the simple things in life. Hang out with friends and loved ones to loosen up. Turn these acts into a happy habit and routine. And soon, these habits will be ingrained in a person’s life that it will become difficult NOT to choose to be happy.
How to be Content
Contentment is most of the time linked with happiness, but there is a difference between the two. Happiness is more connected with the feeling of pleasure or delight. Contentment is more about feeling and being satisfied. A person can be happy and not content at the same time. A typical example would be a businessman. If a businessman reached his sales quota, of course, he would be happy about the achievement. But if a person is running a business, achieving a sales goal is not the end goal. Hence, a businessman is happy when he accomplishes his sales goal but is not content and still wants to aim for more future sales.
To be content can be a bit tricky but not impossible to do. One way to learn how to be content is practicing an appreciative and grateful attitude. It is being grateful for the little things in life and not looking at what’s lacking. Another way is for a person to stop comparing themselves with others. It is about taking pride in who and what a person is, being secured in one’s self and capability.
Happiness and Contentment as a Commitment
Attaining true happiness and contentment means being able to share these two feelings with others. It is reflecting, giving back these feelings, letting other people and the environment experience, and indulging in the positive impact of feeling happy and content. It is about a person sharing their time, talents, and treasures. It is committing to help others also to become happy. It is committing to help the environment become a better place for others to live in. It is committing to create a space where everyone can be content from the simplest things in life. It is possible. And yes, anyone can do it!
The Damsel’s Files 