What Makes For Deeply Felt Happiness?

Experiencing pleasurable moments and being truly happy are not synonymous in my mind.

There are many times in years gone by, where what I was experiencing at the moment was very pleasurable. I was spending time with people I love - I was outside with the sun shining brightly - I was eating my favorite foods - I was walking along the beach and so on... You get the picture, as you have had those moments yourself.

Yet, years ago, I was not always feeling happy on the inside, during those moments. There were occasions where I felt there was still something missing, though I could not necessarily describe that feeling or label the emotion.

With more observation and greater awareness, I came to see that there are many folks who have a life of pleasure - they are in a good position financially, they spend a lot of time in recreational activities, party a lot with friends, they go out to many events, yet they are not experiencing happiness.

On the other hand I have seen people who are not spending as much time in recreational activities, who are on purpose and doing work they love, who may have devoted their life to a cause that is dear to them. They get a lot done, are acknowledged in their particular field, yet they are not completely happy either.

So what is the secret to this feeling of happiness that we all seek?

I believe that being happy comes from doings things that bring you pleasure AND doing work (which really does not feel like work - because you enjoy it) that is in alignment with your purpose and your passion.

My question for you today is - Do you have all of your eggs in one basket - the pleasure basket or the being on purpose basket?

I know I have been caught with most of my eggs in one basket - the work basket. I think that is where most folks land.

If that is your situation, what can you do to bring more harmony between the moments of pleasure and the being on purpose?

Actually that could be the topic of an entire book. However, you can start by brainstorming a list of things that bring you pleasure (a long list) and then schedule some of those things into your day, week, and months. Give yourself permission to just be, to have fun and to lighten up ( it took me a long time to get this one - yet it was worth figuring it out ).

"He who allows his day to pass by without practicing generosity and enjoying life's pleasures is like a blacksmith's bellows: he breathes but does not live." Author unknown

On the other hand if you have no shortage of pleasurable moments but you would like to enjoy your work more, start by getting to know yourself better. Take the time to discover what it is that gives you that get up and go fuel. From there, start seeing how you can move more in that direction, one step at a time, till you get to the point where you are making income while doing something that allows you to feel on purpose, and that feeds your body, mind and soul.

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." Albert Schweitzer

A book you may want to check out on the topic of happiness is - Happier by Tal Ben Shahar.

I have discovered happiness when pursuing my purpose, which is to help others discover their power within, and making sure the pleasurable moments (big or small) are part of every day.