Happiness is a temporary feeling that stems from a happening in the outside world. It feels like a rushing of elation, serenity, and joy. We feel happy when we see a loved one. We feel happy when we do well on a test. We feel happy when we reach a goal, but does that feeling last forever? Of course not. Unfortunately, many of us expect happiness to be the ultimate goal, but I think we are looking for something else that is often disguised as happiness.
A lot of people mistake happiness for inner peace. While happiness depends on something happening, inner peace can be regulated regardless of what is happening externally. Peace is a state of being rather than just a feeling. When you have peace within yourself, it doesn’t matter what is going on. You could be in the midst of financial trouble, but you are still at peace. For that reason, I think peace and happiness are two entirely different concepts. One is constant, the other is fickle.
We live our lives in search for happiness, in search of that feeling that takes the pain away, but a lot of time we are left unfulfilled. We think that a new relationship will feel a void and bring lasting happiness, but what happens when you get into an argument? We think that a shopping spree will make us happy, but what happens when you can no longer fit those clothes? We think that a secure job will make us happy, but when the happiness we fades we’re left empty handed, confused as to why we don’t feel that same initial happiness. For clarification, I certainly do not think happiness is a bad thing, but put into the wrong context, it can be illusive and lead us down roads that are not good for us. So, I think we should be reaching for something else; inner peace. We may find that to be more fulfilling and more lasting.