The Pursuit of Happiness

There's an article today on Yahoo's News about 5 things that will make you happier. There's also a picture there of a group of people at The Laughing Club giving off an early morning guffaw. Trouble is, they don't look happy at all.

Would it be true to say if you are pursuing happiness you don't have it? Otherwise why the pursuit?

Happiness is not having loads of bucks in the bank - look at some of the really wealthy people, especially celebrities, they look downright unhappy. So that isn't the answer is it? Being hopelessly in love can bring happiness but that doesn't last too long when it goes into stage 2 and 3. Do you have a good definition of happiness?

The five things listed (as research has shown) that can improve happiness is:

1) Being Grateful. Writing letters of gratitude or a thank-you letter.
2) Be Optimistic. Think optimistic thoughts by visualizing an ideal future.
3) Count your blessings; write some good things about yourself.
4) Use your strengths - do you have any?
5) Acts of Kindness; Help others, assist others in need. Well, we all do that.

Do you do any of these things? It certainly does have an effect on you when you "Pay it Forward"

A good definition would be overcoming the obstacles in life towards an achievable goal.

See these kids, they are very happy. Do you know why? Take a look!