For years, I used to wonder why, in a world where we have every reason to be happy, so many people feel disconnected from joy. I noticed that depression and a lack of happiness are surprisingly common — almost like they’ve become the norm.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that happiness isn’t some elusive state you stumble upon — it’s a mindset, almost a decision you make. I get it: how can you choose happiness when you’ve just been fired, your bank account’s on hold because of an overdraft, or you’ve had a big fight with someone you love?
Many years ago, I started a simple daily practice: writing down what I was grateful for each morning. At first, it felt mechanical — just going through the motions because I’d read it could help. I’ve been doing it for over 15 years now, and I believe it helped shape my mindset. But despite that, I was still chasing happiness as if it were some distant destination.
Then life hit me hard, again. What truly shook me wasn’t the difficulty itself — it was how I responded. I was on the ground, trying to decide whether to stay down or get up and fight.
I chose a mix of both. I decided to stand up, but with giving in—not to fight. I refused fighting; I was too tired of hustling and bustling. So I gave in, and I asked myself one simple question:
"Where do I meet happiness?"
That question transformed my perspective forever. I opened my journal, and step by step, I started answering it. I examined my weekly schedule, hour by hour, from the moment I woke up to the moment I went to sleep. The answers surprised me.
A few highlights:
- I meet happiness every morning when I take my dogs out to play off-leash before anyone else is awake.
- I meet happiness when I see a client accomplish a goal, no matter how big or small.
- I meet happiness when I Unroll my yoga mat and practice.
- I meet happiness in that first cup of coffee, when I sit down to journal.
- I hear my husband’s laughter, and it always puts a smile on my face.
These moments are simple, daily, and accessible. They’re not extraordinary events, and that’s exactly the point. Happiness isn’t waiting for some perfect moment — it’s in the small experiences, when we really notice what’s around us.
Happiness, I’ve realized, is a “state of being” we choose. It’s not about what’s happening outside of us, but who we are and how we experience ourselves in each moment.
As I often say:
"Happiness is happening to us, when we experience what we already are."
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to reflect on your own moments of happiness. Save this post, come back to it. Notice the everyday moments that bring a smile — you might find there are more than you think.
Remember: happiness is a decision, not a destination.
Ilan Z. Halfon
Licensed Paralegal & Notary Public
YourParalegalServices.ca
Everyone deserves a fair outcome. I provide practical, efficient solutions with empathy, integrity, and professionalism.
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