What is the secret to being truly happy?

Mushroom Queen · **Posted:** April 2nd, 2008, 8:40 pm

I've been reading a lot about dying people who had last regrets about how they lived their lives and it really made me wonder about this. For me, a lot of the cliche phrases like "follow your dreams" really seemed to make sense. But dreams aren't always what make people happy. I guess having some modicum of career success would be nice, but having a stable life and being surrounded by people I love would make me truly happy. I guess it's a combination of things though.

What do you think is the best way to live a happy life?

Adbot · **Posted:** April 2nd, 2008, 8:40 pm

Mike · **Posted:** April 2nd, 2008, 9:11 pm

I don't think it's possible to be "truly happy". As humans we are naturally greedy and always want more. There is always something more to look forward to or something else even the most successful people wish to achieve, something that may make them happier.

I think you just have to make yourself happy with what you have and accept it. If you are searching for happiness your whole life, you will not be happy. Sure, dreams are something to look forward to, but if you expect them to make you truly happy, you are likely to be disappointed.

Brad · **Posted:** April 3rd, 2008, 4:48 am

I remember reading something a while ago that said the secret to being truly happy is accepting that you aren't always going to be happy, and there will be some bad times. I think that's partially true. But aside from that I really have no idea. I think it depends a lot on your situation, and circumstances and who you are as a person.

Pfkninenines · Global Moderator 12/4/08

Brad wrote:

I remember reading something a while ago that said the secret to being truly happy is accepting that you aren't always going to be happy, and there will be some bad times.

That's pretty much the theory I follow. As long as I don't think every day is going to be the best day in my life, I can accept a bad day here and there. If you don't get to learn to accept the bad times, you're going to end up being depressed all the time.

On a related note, set your standards low. That way, nearly everything is an accomplishment

(Seriously, don't do this all the time. Just reminding the lady readers.)

trekkie · **Posted:** April 3rd, 2008, 3:50 pm

to be truely be happy is striving for excellence. if you suceeded you shall be happy with what you have accomplished. if you fail, you should be happy that you gave it your all.

Yazackie90 · **Posted:** April 4th, 2008, 8:51 am

Impossible. I belive, just like no one is perfect, that it is mentally impossible to be truly happy. By, "mentally" I mean that everyone has worries and problems, that nag them in their head. Sometimes you'll forget these, but you will never be truly happy. But I belive you can get VERY close to being truly happy. And that true happiness is achived without fame or wealth.

Adbot · **Posted:** April 4th, 2008, 8:51 am

Jamie · **Posted:** April 4th, 2008, 12:34 pm

Reaching your goals would have to be the secret for me to being truly happy. When I was younger I set a list of goals I wanted to have completed in my life. I still have that list with me now, trying to complete what I put on it. I think being truly happy is to have a path in life - to know where you are striving to go to. Otherwise, you're just stuck in a little bubble with no idea of what to do.

murdererdood · **Posted:** April 4th, 2008, 3:14 pm

Apathy.

Jeff · **Posted:** April 4th, 2008, 4:02 pm

There's a Chinese proverb that says "the basis of happiness is helping others," and I completely agree.

EnglishPenguin · **Posted:** April 5th, 2008, 10:11 am

I don't there's such thing as being truely happy. I mean, once you achive something, you like it for a while, then you go after something new. And so on and so forth.

And the more you get, the less happier you can be, because everythings to easdy and just handed to you. I dunno.

Mushroom Queen · **Posted:** April 5th, 2008, 2:11 pm

murdererdood wrote:

Apathy.

Please explain in more than just one word.

Tidus · **Posted:** April 5th, 2008, 5:50 pm

Mushroom Queen wrote:

murdererdood wrote:

Apathy.

Please explain in more than just one word.

Dictionary wrote:

Apathy:
n.

1. Lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal; indifference.
2. Lack of emotion or feeling; impassiveness.

Mushroom Queen · **Posted:** April 5th, 2008, 6:08 pm

Tidus wrote:

Mushroom Queen wrote:

murdererdood wrote:

Apathy.

Please explain in more than just one word.

Dictionary wrote:

Apathy:
n.

1. Lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal; indifference.
2. Lack of emotion or feeling; impassiveness.

Nice to know that you're answering on behalf of someone else by copying and pasting from a dictionary. I guess I should just ask people not to reply if they're not going to be at least thoughtful.

Yazackie90 · **Posted:** April 5th, 2008, 6:09 pm

Tidus wrote:

Mushroom Queen wrote:

murdererdood wrote:

Apathy.

Please explain in more than just one word.

Dictionary wrote:

Apathy:
n.

1. Lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal; indifference.
2. Lack of emotion or feeling; impassiveness.

Emo alert.

Tidus · **Posted:** April 5th, 2008, 6:21 pm

Yazackie90 wrote:

Emo alert.

How can "Lack of Emotion" be emo?

Anyway, let's go back to the topic.

About being truly happy, I completely agree with Mike.