Here are some thoughts I had today. Happiness is the decision to like who you are and what you are doing.

What do you think?

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I can't think of anyhting that would make that any clearer. It is indeed a choice.

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Only Love Prevails,
Don

Sounds right to me, too. Funny that it can be so difficult at times, as if liking ourselves is a real challenge!

In contrast Jesus knew who he was and the importance of what he was doing. Maybe that is why he isn't looked upon as 'happy"

I like this thought This is probably the hardest thing i had to overcome to get to where i am now. I agree you have to like yourself in order to be happy that is the big key to happiness right there! IT doesn't matter what others think of us what matters most is the way we feel about ourselves once we accompolish that then we can be 100% happy! I think i am half way there.

Not bad for starters, but I think it needs more. The above is too much "me" and not enough "you" imo. As people who have family, friends, neighbors, etc., I think we have to go beyond "me" in order to have happiness.

Shalom,
Vern

I like what ya said in going "beyond me"

i get alot of my happiness when i can help others out if i can make atleast one person smile in a day or help them thru or making a difference in that person's life i am happy.

Metis, I agree and disagree at the same time. LOL Is that possibly? LOL Oh well, I do.

I agree that my happiness is not complete if those around me were still suffering, but.....on the other hand I am only reponsible for that which is sent out, not how or if it is received.

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May your awareness be perfection

Actually I don't think we disagree, so I have to disagree with your disagreement.

"Happiness" is a state of mind we control over ourselves, so ultimately it is us that determines whether we'll be happy or not. However, what I was saying,
and you reiterated, is that it's more difficult to be happy if you see others around you suffering. A "solution" could be Gandhi's "disinterested action", which means he felt that we should just do our best to help others without getting upset if everything doesn't work out the way we'd hope it would.

Shalom,
Vern

.... but if one can't like one's self, how can one like others....?

To master this art would require - in my opinion - to love all equally.... oneself included.


Peace, Love, & Light

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"An object is perceived, or not perceived, according as the mind is, or is not, tinged with the colour of the object. "
Patanjali - Sutra 4:17