3 Reasons You’re Not Supposed to be Happy

Contrary to the title, this is a positive and empowering message.

Our society does its best to sell us the idea that happiness exists, and that we can achieve it. Society paints a picture of you, meticulously groomed and smiling, standing next to your significant other, 2.5 kids, and dog in front of your dream house with your two SUV’s in the garage, and you’ve just returned from your fabulous beach vacation so you’re all perfectly sun-kissed. That’s happiness, right?

A lot of people work to create this picture because they expect it will bring them happiness. Then when it doesn’t, they’re crushed. Why aren’t I happy? I did everything I was supposed to. I know; I’ve been there.

Which is why it’s time to Deliberately Think about our definition of happiness and decide if the expectations we’ve been sold are ones we are willing to accept.

3 reasons you’re not supposed to “be” happy:

1. Happiness is a feeling. It is not a state of being. Feelings come and go. Therefore, it is impossible to “be” happy.
2. Happiness is a reaction to some kind of outside stimuli, to things that we cannot control. We can control the actions we take in response to that reaction, but we really can’t control the initial reaction. If we can’t control when we feel happy, how are we supposed to “be” happy?
3. Happiness does not foster growth. Think about it a minute. Growth is a product of some form of discontent or unhappiness you are feeling that you’ve decided to take action to improve upon. If one of your core values is growth, as mine is, happiness is not really what you want to strive for.

So what do you want to strive for? What can you “be”?

Keep scrolling to find out.