I read a very interesting article today. It was 5 reasons why your idea of happiness is wrong. It really put whole "happiness" thing in perspective... It talked aboutthe history of what happiness was perceived as and how it's changed radically only recently. Happiness isn't something that we can achieve and maintain. Our brains don't let us.

In the past people thought they'd only achieve happiness when they died and went to heaven. Greeks thought it was something you gained by living a virtuous life. Now we feel like its an inalienable right that's been bestowed upon us.

There are studies showing people who buy materialgoods to make themselves happy are by far less happy in the long run as their investments lose value through wear and tear. They find the people who spend their money on making memories like vacations and whatnot are happier in the long run and their memories only get better with time. Food for thought huh?

They also found that we are happier when we have a happy thingto anticipate. People who go on many little mini vacations are happier because they just sit in happy anticipation of the vacation.

I need more vacations. Haha

After reading this I've come to the conclusion that my life isnt a miserable sesspool of pain and suffering. I think I have a decently happy life as for the most part I laugh a lot more often than I cry. I mainly have happy memories of my life. I know I've been sad, but I cant remember specific times in the past where I've been particularly sad.

This doesn't mean I'm going to start being an optimist. It just really gives me a valuable insight into what I really should be expecting out of life. Happiness isn't a perpetual state I need to strive for. Happiness is moments where I can truly be happy. It's not a destination or a goal we can achieve.

What do you think?