@ecotrain Question of the Week: What Do You Need to Be Happy?

This is actually a tough question and I may have discovered this question from @ecotrain late because I have seen a tie-up post of @eco-alex about this. Nevertheless, I want to be answer the question because it also helps me reflect about my life...

What do you need to be happy?

I believe Contentment is the greatest feeling we need to be truly happy. We cannot be happy with our life if we are not contented with what we have. Have you ever wondered why a minimum wage earner seems happier than a millionaire? Simple, it is because he likes his status in life. True, there are times he is short on cash, misunderstandings among family and friends, and all those problems in between. But see, he still can smile from all of those things because he is fine, okay and happy with where he is now. He doesn’t crave for something more hence, no frustration and stress on his part. He is totally happy with his life.

What is Contentment?

According to Wikipedia:

Contentment is a mental or emotional state of satisfaction maybe drawn from being at ease in one's situation, body and mind. Colloquially speaking, contentment could be a state of having accepted one's situation and is a milder and more tentative form of happiness.

In short, contentment means happiness in your life. It is a feeling of bliss where you are satisfied with who and what you are. When you are contented, you don’t feel strong negative emotions like frustration, hatred, envy, anger and greed.

Importance of Contentment

There are 5 importance of contentment:

1. Contentment helps to get rid of negative attitudes such as greed and envy.

2. Contentment gives you a higher feeling of satisfaction in life.

3. Contentment develops your maturity.

4. Contentment increases your self-esteem and confidence.

5. Contentment gives you a peaceful and kind heart.

Wanting to Be Happy is Easy, Achieving It is Not

I don’t want to sugar coat this – It is not easy to achieve happiness, it is not easy to be contented, it is not easy letting go of envy and it is not easy to not compare yourself with other people. What we need to be happy is easier said than done. I don’t want to sound negative or off but it is the truth. Contentment is like the moon; you can see it but most often you ignore it.

So what can we do now? Do our very best to achieve contentment in our lives but don’t push yourself too hard. Focus on your goals. Do the things that make you happy. Don’t settle for less. Last but not the least; everything is a choice so the outcome depends on your decision.