Happiness is a Journey Not a Destination

“Happiness is a journey not a destination” is an often-heard saying and it has deep meaning. For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin — a real life full of happiness. But there were always some new desires in the way, Something to be gotten through first.  When I was a kid, I used to think I will be happy; when I will pass out from school. At that age, college life seemed to be a symbol of freedom and happiness. When I reached that milestone and was doing graduation from college; I started feeling that once I will have good Job, I will have lot money and that will bring happy days to me. This chain kept continued; after getting a lucrative job, I convinced  myself that life will be better after I will get married, have a baby, then another. The problem with me was I looking towards happiness as a milestone, which kept changing it’s position with time. I was running towards a virtual destination. After a long time; I understood that – “Happiness is a journey not a destination”

In our pursuit of happiness, we often fall into the trap of viewing it as an elusive destination—a place we must reach to experience true contentment. However, the essence of happiness lies not in reaching a specific point but in embracing the journey itself.

How do you define happiness ??

I bet most of you define happiness as staying happy all the time – every single year, every single month, every single day, every single hour and every single minute. Being happy is the biggest motivator of mankind.

Happiness is mental or emotional states, characterized by positive or pleasant feelings ranging from contentment to intense joy. It is also used in the context of life satisfaction, subjective well-being, and fulfilment.

To me – Happiness is a state of being, a collection of moments woven together, and a conscious choice to find joy in the present.

Find more HAPPINESS articles

• How to be Happy?
• Facts about Happiness
• Inspirational Story – Happiness is within You
• Happiness Quotes

How to enjoy the ride of Happiness journey?

Here is how one can cultivate happiness along the way of life.

The Illusion of Destination

The idea that happiness is a destination implies that once we reach a particular goal or milestone, we will find everlasting bliss. However, life is fluid, and circumstances are constantly changing. Pinning your happiness solely on external achievements sets you up for disappointment. True happiness comes from within and is not dependent on reaching a specific destination but rather on embracing the present and finding joy in the journey. You need to come out of this illusion of destinative happiness consciously explore it in what you have right now.

Don’t be Greedy

Life changes at the speed to thoughts. Everyone makes long term and short term goals pertaining to visualized happiness factors. you may feel, if you achieve a particular goal, you may be the happiest person on the earth. But once you achieve the desired goal, new desires and expectations from life comes out of blues and you start chasing that keeping in mind again the same “if you will achieve that particular goal, you may be the happiest person on the earth”.

This marathon is endless, there are few pauses in this but you keep running. The more you have of it doesn’t always mean the better. You still feel that this is not the ultimate happiness you were looking for and ultimately you feel sad.

Change the Perspective

The obstacles and and challenges will always keeping coming in your life.  Never get in to trap of “something to be gotten through first” mindset. Understand that these obstacles and challenges are integral part of your life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. Additionally, maintaining a positive perspective allows us to find silver linings in challenging situations and approach life with optimism. Perspective nurture happiness and help us navigate the journey with resilience and joy.

Every Day can’t be Goody Goody

We believe our life should have no negative moments. All days can’t be goody-goody. We need to understand the duality of life. We should always remember that; only by experiencing sadness do we understand the value of happiness. In reality, there is always something missing, something lacking, or something unpleasant.

No one has a perfect life.  Even the most successful, richest people have their own set of challenges and problems. Be confident and overcome these problems and challenges with smiling face. This will take you on the way of Happiness journey for which you are looking for.

Live in the Present Moment

Most of the people are not able to practice mindfulness and live in the present. You should make mindfulness a day to day affair. Mindfulness is magical and it brings different perspective in life, which you have never noticed in your life. Mindfulness teaches us to be in the present moment and notice the unnoticed. When you start exploring these unnoticed things in the present moment, You also discover the happiness in this Journey.

Try to understand this with an example. One good rainy morning, a farmer is happy as it will be helpful for his crop in the farm, but a salaried employee in construction industry is feeling bad as he may not have a jobs execution today. The salaried employee can take a day off and have good quality time along with family. He may work on the things today; for which he was looking for a day off since long. He may go out and play with his kid in the rains.

When you are fully present, you become attuned to the beauty and joy that exist in everyday experiences. Whether it’s savoring a delicious meal, sharing a heartfelt conversation, or witnessing a breathtaking sunset, mindfulness allows you to find happiness in the simplest of things. By cultivating mindfulness, you create a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you.

Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude and maintaining a positive perspective are key elements in the journey towards happiness. Be grateful for whatever you have in life and imbibe  gratitude in your day to day life. Cultivating gratitude and being thankful is scientifically-proven to increase your happiness index, and is one of the simplest life change you can make as it requires very little effort.

Grateful people have higher satisfaction level and tend to appreciate simple pleasures in life. By cultivating gratitude, you acknowledge and appreciate the blessings and opportunities that come your way. Gratitude shifts your focus from what is lacking to what you have, creating a sense of contentment and fulfillment.

Writing down daily or weekly gratitude journal is one of the best practices which increases your happiness index.

Embracing the Process

Happiness lies not in the destination but in the process of becoming. It is the accumulation of small moments, personal growth, and self-discovery. By shifting your focus from the end result to the present experience, you learn to appreciate the journey itself. This perspective encourages you to set meaningful goals, celebrate progress, and find joy in the pursuit of your dreams. Embracing the process allows you to lead a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

Lord Krishna has emphasized the importance of process (Karma) in Chapter 2, Verse 47 of Bhagavad-Gita. Where the god himself teaches to Arujna : “Do your duty and be detached from its outcome, do not be driven by the end product, enjoy the process of getting there.”

Be process oriented rather than being result oriented in all your approaches and enjoy that process itself.

Do more of What Makes You Feel Happy

Doing more of what makes you happy is always fulfilling. I am not saying to leave your job and spend time in your hobbies or passions. You need to work to pay your bills. Everyone does not has the financial security. But you must spare some time from your busy schedule and devote it in doing things that increase your happiness index. I personally call it quality time. This quality time is for me only. I utilize this time for my hobbies, outing with family members, being with nature, playing with my son, morning rituals, watching movies, long drives with friends etc.

Self-Love

Self-love means having a high regard for your own well-being and happiness. Self love means taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others.

Be kind to yourself. Many of your actions might not lead to positive results always. But there is no need to be harsh towards yourself. Don’t be over critical. Be compassionate to yourself. And also make point to learn from your mistakes.

By letting go of the notion that happiness lies solely in achieving specific goals, we free ourselves to find joy in the present moment. So, stop waiting until you finish school; you lose ten pounds or you gain ten pounds; you have kids; up till you start work; you retire; or till you marry. This weekend or until next Sunday morning. Until you buy a new car or home, you pay off your home loan EMIs etc. This chain wont end until you die. Happiness is not an endpoint to be reached but a continuous journey to be embraced. The real Happiness is to live the present moment at the fullest. Happiness is a choice we make every day, and by appreciating the beauty of life’s path, we can cultivate a deep and lasting sense of contentment.

Inspiring Short Story on Happiness

Listen this story by Gaur Gopal Das about 99 Club. He has explained very well trough the inspiring short story of king and a farmer – that happiness is a journey not a destination.

You may also like to read these Happiness Quotes, which will make you feel more happy.

Thank you for reading this. Over to you now, please let us know how do you boost your happiness index? Share your ways to be happy in the comment section, they are much appreciated.

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