Is it better to be happy or content? I think some of the times I've been most miserable is when I'm trying to make myself be happy. I don't know if maybe it's a western thing or what, but I think we assume if we're not happy all the time then something must be wrong, either with ourselves or our situation.
I've found that for myself contentment is far more preferable. For one thing is less emotionally exhausting for me. Less physically exhausting too, now that I think about it. When I'm content I'm much more likely to be able to drift into a blissful sleep at the end of the day, have an easier time concentrating on the tasks at hand, have a better appetite...probably some other stuff too. With happiness comes a state of excitement that, for me, mimics some of the effects of anxiety. And I have had lots of problems with anxiety in my adult life.
Happiness is also unsustainable. It's kind of like an orgasm, or maybe laughing at a joke. Once you stop laughing is it because the joke is no longer funny? Expecting to be happy at all times is like expecting sex to be an enormous 10 minute orgasm, or expecting to laugh uncontrollable whenever you hear the same joke you've heard time and again.
There's a sense of satisfaction and peace that I feel when I am content. I've made significant progress, I think, in just accepting things for what they are; I still have to work at reminding myself not to worry about things I can't control, however. And I figure I always will.
That doesn't make me happy, but I've accepted that's the way that I am.
I've found that for myself contentment is far more preferable. For one thing is less emotionally exhausting for me. Less physically exhausting too, now that I think about it. When I'm content I'm much more likely to be able to drift into a blissful sleep at the end of the day, have an easier time concentrating on the tasks at hand, have a better appetite...probably some other stuff too. With happiness comes a state of excitement that, for me, mimics some of the effects of anxiety. And I have had lots of problems with anxiety in my adult life.
Happiness is also unsustainable. It's kind of like an orgasm, or maybe laughing at a joke. Once you stop laughing is it because the joke is no longer funny? Expecting to be happy at all times is like expecting sex to be an enormous 10 minute orgasm, or expecting to laugh uncontrollable whenever you hear the same joke you've heard time and again.
There's a sense of satisfaction and peace that I feel when I am content. I've made significant progress, I think, in just accepting things for what they are; I still have to work at reminding myself not to worry about things I can't control, however. And I figure I always will.
That doesn't make me happy, but I've accepted that's the way that I am.
....Happiness Is But "Fleeting"......
...BUT.....We Are Content To Put Up With You...
....(GLEN.....do you realise exactly how much shit you are in.?.)
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