Happiness is that external invasion , that sudden emotion that descends upon us out of the blue. Against Joy which emanates internally or contentment that is consistent, happiness is that wow wonder. When was the last time you experienced happiness ?
Pundits are I’m told able to measure happiness on their own Richter scale, the happiness index which this year found that at 7.89 out of 10 Finland was the happiest country on the planet and Zimbabwe the unhappiest. I’m not quite sure what the 2.11 of Finland was missing or indeed the number Zimbabwe fell short but the Nordic countries of Denmark and Iceland followed and happiness may have something to do with light.
The blogger would choose contentment over happiness , as that sudden fix I know doesn’t last but that river of contentment when flowing is the best and peace reigns on every bank. Often those who are very happy may be found the next day with their head in their hands or suddenly unhappy and it’s the fickleness of happiness that I don’t like, almost coming as an imposter in our lives. Add to that there is an obligation from society on us to pursue happiness. We are asked more often whether we are happy than whether we are content whilst a person with perpetual joy stands out like a beacon on a hill.
Babies are seen as happy , adults as content and therefore I sense there is a state of oblivion about happiness. I recall that the writer of the song ‘ Be Happy ‘ took his own life in a down moment. What do people mean by that famous salutation Happy Christmas? Are we expected for two days to be invaded by the feeling when we see our families , our mother in law or as we unwrap those socks and aftershave.
I’ve never really understood being wished Happy Birthday especially as the years left on the planet look like fewer Christmas trees to come. What’s Happy about a birthday , can someone help me ? My kids hate me when I tell them every day is a birthday ( Im 33.8 today ) or every day is Christmas Day ( why not give me a gift today ?). Honestly Im neither a killjoy or Scrooge I’m just saying because I’m content , I found the river and I’m swimming. Happiness I’ve had but it never lasted which is why I know you can’t trust it. Happiness is not mentioned in the scriptures buy joy and peace are spoken of constantly.
I guess in conclusion all these human emotions are moments of experience that come and pass distinguishing us from robots and allowing us to see the wonder of our being , tossed about on the seas of life or the roller coaster that we ride daily to that terminal destination. For me the blogger you can keep happiness I’m happy in the carriage of content . Enjoy your weekend and be content this Christmas and in the year 2022 that lays ahead.
qbitblogger 