Happiness: Is it a Journey or Destination?

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Betül Canan

657 Days ago

If I asked you right now, "What's the ultimate goal of your life?" What would be your response? More often than not, the simple, yet profound answer is, "I just want to be happy." But what does it truly mean to be happy? Is happiness a point we reach after a certain achievement or an ever-evolving journey? Is it a state of being or an elusive goal? The answer, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder.

 

 

Understanding Happiness

"For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness." – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Emerson's words point towards the concept of happiness as an ongoing experience, rather than a static state of being. The question of whether happiness is a journey or a destination hinges upon our understanding of what happiness is.

The most common misconception about happiness is that it is the end point of a long and winding journey or a reward for hard-earned achievements. In reality, happiness is not an end goal but a continuous process. It is not something that you finally achieve one day, but something you continuously strive for, experience and nurture every day.

 

 

Happiness: A Journey or a Destination?

Happiness as a Journey

Happiness is often depicted as a journey. It's about savoring the simple pleasures of life, creating meaningful relationships and continually growing as a person. It’s not about waiting for something big to happen but finding joy in the process of living each day.

Happiness as a Destination

On the flip side, some view happiness as a destination - a state or goal to be achieved. This perspective, however, might leave us perpetually chasing happiness, never quite reaching it. Because when we tie our happiness to a goal, what happens when we achieve it? The goalpost of happiness might just keep moving farther.

 

 

Happiness is Personal

At the end of the day, happiness is a personal and subjective experience. What brings joy to one person might not have the same effect on another. Some may find their happiness in the journey, others may see it as a destination and some may see it as both.

The important thing is to understand what happiness means to you, and not to compare your happiness with others. Define your own happiness and remember, it’s perfectly okay if your happiness doesn't look like someone else's.

 

 

Conclusion

So, is happiness a journey or a destination? The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. The concept of happiness varies for each individual.

The key takeaway here is that, happiness is available to you every step of the way. It's in the progress towards your goals and it's in the achievement of them. It's in the journey and it's in the destination.

Remember, your happiness is not determined by the external factors, but by how you choose to respond to them. So why not embrace both the journey and the destination? Find joy in your steps today and look forward to the happiness that tomorrow may bring. After all, it's your happiness. Define it. Own it. Live it. And most importantly, enjoy it.