The elusiveness of happiness

Is happiness something really worth pursuing? And how does one go about defining happiness anyway? I sincerely doubt that we would be able find a more abstract noun. What is the difference; or is there even a difference between general happiness of the world at large, and that of personal happiness? Or does one lead to the other?

So many questions and so few answers! It's been said that one of the marks of a successful person is his or her ability to ask the right questions, addressed to the right or relevant authority on that subject. So who could we ask that we would deem to be an authority on the subject of happiness?

The answer, i believe lies in our childhood. The time when we were babies and had not a care in the world, except that of seeking out our next meal, and nap time. Babies and toddlers have no conception of fear- they depend on the parent or a significant other to be with them constantly. To monitor them, and of course for survival basics. They truly exist in the now- something which many of us strive to do and few actually do. Perhaps that's what happiness is.

Learning how to live in the now- to make the most of our present moment. To really be present where we are- with all of our faculties. And not just to be present, but to enjoy and make the most of each moment. To learn from the tougher moments, and to move from moment to moment with lightness in our hearts. Maybe love and happiness are synonymous; or at least exist side by side.

Yes I think happiness should be pursued- it may bring greater self-awareness and love for both our self and for others. It may even bring us to Maslow's point of self-actualization. If you're not happy, take some time for self-reflection and find out why. When you seek with all your heart, you will find.

Esther @ www.soakupinfo.com/Esther