JWA: Happiness

Oftentimes, I ponder about the enigma of happiness. More often, I hear theories.

Happiness comes after suffering
Higher Highs, Lower Lows
Happiness is long term, pleasure is short term
Gratitude is a cantrip
You don’t deserve anything. You deserve everything.
Happiness is a choice
Happiness is an impossible goal we strive to chase
Law of Attraction
You will be happy and you will also be sad

The definition of happiness should not rely on analogies yet apply to all analogies

I once met a woman who excelled in the sales industry and was the top in her field in Southeast Asia. My “bosses” finally managed to book a talk with her and the TLDR is this:

Your grandiose problems do not always require a grandiose solution. Most of the time, it’s a straightforward answer. Just stop being a pussy and do it.

Obviously, it is always easier to dish out advice but never take it yourself. Of course, that means I’m a pussy too. So this got me thinking. All these theories feel like they are reflections of a singular truth to answer the FAQs of happiness. Every time you read them, it resonates with you but the answer never feels whole.

Over the last 8 months or so, I’ve begun to think about various theories and learn new ideas from different industries and social interactions. Right now, I am content. I’m still a mess, still a pussy, am not close to completing the goals I have to achieve and have a great number of regrets but I am content. I do feel the need to document this as a reminder for the future but I find it impossible to articulate. The one truth which feels like it should be a straightforward answer seems impossible to write. I am aware of and have learnt from all the different theories, have crafted more on my own that may very well be convergent with ideas of an ancient philosopher, and am certain these very thoughts also flow through the minds of many people.

There is an inkling of a feeling that I will never be able to articulate it and as much as I want to, I am content with never achieving it. However to sate my urge to document this abstract feeling:

From reading the theories, I resonate with them. Therefore, I know Happiness. Happiness simply is. Nothing more, Nothing less.

Does it feel incomplete? Honestly, More so than the other theories. But I like it.