Happiness Is….

the peace of being in my own home, safe and comfortable..

Being with my son`s,d/in-laws and g/children,and Dh of course.

A distant memory...

I am ambivalent about the pursuit of happiness. It is surely a fugitive emotion that catches you unaware, rather than something you can chase and capture, or consciously create.

The continuing emotion that can sustain and keep one, is contentment. It is, I suppose what Farzanah describes in her post comes closest to it. You cannot be content if short of food, or heat, or a roof over your head, or facing serious problems, but to be content with how you are is far more longlasting than the essentially ephemeral feeling that is happiness (and all the more enjoyable because it is ephemeral).

A big, happy smile from my 8-month-old DGGD melts my heart,

Lying down, feeling sorry for myself, DD appeared unexpectedly with DS1's daughter..
Seeing my two favourite girls made me so happy!

For me, happiness at the moment is a vertigo free day. 🥴

Looking after my two little grandsons, the little one is 20 months old and hilarious. His latest is to point at me and say "mummy!!" with a mischievous twinkle and I have to say "nanny". That can go on for ages!!

Having my daughter and SIL here for lunch. She broke her shoulder two weeks ago and we have been so worried.

Quite simply when I get into bed at night…..

Happiness to me is coming home unlocking the door and relaxing with my DH and our cats and dog.

I'm with you, book lovers- combine that with chocolate and that's pretty close to heaven and earth for me.

I am sorry that things are difficult for you just now BlueBelle. You pose a very good question happiness what is it actually?

For me I find it’s not expecting life to be as we think it should be. As humans we will all experience difficulties and trauma in our lives, and when we try to anticipate and control events which is often impossible to do, it makes us unhappy.

I learnt much through Buddhism about acceptance. We can’t control our lives in many respects, and we don’t know what the future will bring, so learning to cultivate acceptance, and living in the present, taking pleasure in every day things is the way to be. It does take practice!

Also having real compassion for those who are suffering.

Sorry you are having a difficult time BlueBelle enjoy your moments of contentment, they are are worth a lot too.

Going through a bit of a tough time at the moment happiness seems a bit hard to catch
But simple things, sitting in the sun on the beach listening to the water lapping Hearing some good news about a child or grandchild as Twiceasnice has said there never seems to be a moment all kids and grandkids are ok, that would be the best news ever
I’ve think I ve forgotten how to be happy I can feel moments of contentment or relief or peace but happiness what is it actually?

...knowing that my son ,from Australia, has arrived at daughters in Dubai for a couple of days on his way to us...spend time with his dad ,diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia...precious days to come while H still knows who we all are...

Doing exactly what I want to do, when I want to do it.

Similarly Sago I have slipped into fresh smelling clean bedding.

Feeling content that life is good again after DH’s health scare last year and months of an emotional roller coaster ride, all is well. Pottering about in the garden also makes me happy.

Spending time with our beautiful little grand children. Pottering around my raised herb and veg beds on a nice day. Sitting in our sunhouse with my husband and a glass of wine listening to the birds. My favourite ways to spend time and appreciate our life.

I’ve just slipped into bed with lovely crisp clean bedding.
Our 2 lovely grandchildren are in the neighbouring bedroom and husband, daughter and SIL having a brandy downstairs.
I feel very happy as all our children live away so it’s wonderful when they come to stay.
I’m never smug though😬.

Apart from the obvious of knowing that my loved ones are ok, for me it's a good book and a cup of tea with a biscuit, and a day spent entirely alone. No having to make small talk.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Iam64, I too am able to enjoy some moments 4 months after the death of my DH. I can't quite call it happiness yet.

Being with my grandchildren. Nothing beats that!

Sitting on the sofa, cat snuggled in tight alongside me, cup of coffee, a chocolate biscuit or two and a good book. Heavenly.