A few days ago, my daughter turned to me and asked, “Mommy, are you happy?” This question came right after I found myself in tears on the kitchen floor, and it triggered a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that I’m still trying to unpack.
The word “happy” carries so much weight, doesn’t it? Unlike sadness or anger, which people can easily identify and express, happiness seems to evoke a deeper, more philosophical contemplation. Why is that? Why do we hold ourselves to such high standards when it comes to this elusive feeling?
I believe happiness is very much like other emotions—it’s fleeting and temporary. When we expect to feel happy all the time, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Embracing the full spectrum of our emotions, the joyful alongside the painful, is essential. Bottling up feelings or ignoring our truths only complicates our emotional landscape.
Of course, if you’re feeling persistently off or suspect something deeper is troubling you, it’s crucial to reach out to a mental health professional. If you find yourself in a toxic relationship, remember that you’re never obligated to endure pain or abuse.
Reflecting on my life, I’ve experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. There have been moments of pure joy that lifted me high, and others that plunged me into darkness. Anger, sadness, and happiness have all taken their turns guiding me. Sometimes, weeks or months pass before a shift occurs, but that doesn’t mean I’m not okay.
We need to shift our focus from the relentless pursuit of happiness to asking ourselves if we’re okay. Are we managing our challenges? Are we navigating through the struggles? Are we growing and learning along the way? Happiness drops by occasionally, sometimes lingering, but it’s not the only feeling that matters.
So, yes, there are times when I feel happy, but I also experience anger, sadness, fear, excitement, anxiety, and contentment. And through all these emotions, I can confidently say I’m generally okay, and that’s worth celebrating.
For more insights on navigating emotions and relationships, check out this blog post. If you’re looking for expert advice, you might also find this resource on fertility helpful, as well as this excellent guide on fertility insurance.
In summary, happiness is just one of many emotions we experience. It’s essential to recognize and accept the full range of our feelings, and to focus on being okay rather than just chasing happiness.