A childrens ditty from my childhood, simple as it seemed, actually contained some real insight. Happiness is a state of mind, however, to be happy this state of mind must be both acknowledged and accepted.

Situations or material things may influence your state of mind but in and of themselves they do not constitute happiness. Only you can do that by embracing the associated positve emotions.

No Clapping, No Happiness

The childrens song encourages you to acknowledge your state of happiness by clapping. This is a symbolic lyric. The key is acknowledgement.

Happiness is personal (it is about you after all) but letting others know how joyous you are feeling is all part of the condition. Being happy shows and if it does not you are probably not truly happy.

Pursuit of Happiness

The active seeking of happiness, although enshrined as a right in the U.S. constitution has always fallen flat for me. Happiness is not an object or treasure to be sought.

Rather it is a state of being, you don’t find it , recieve it or have it given to you, happiness is attained. You must consciously arrive at a state of happiness through mental processes.

Of course the physical world, other people and your own condition will affect your state of mind and could make achieving a state of happiness difficult, but it is never impossible.

You are in Control

You, and only you, can determine the conditions that lead to a state of happiness. While is is not always obvious how to create these conditions, it is always possible.