- Lol this is the best part!! - ~Nicole~
- :D - Atilla1000
14 / 52: Happiness
©Exodus Photography
Food for thought…..
Recently I came across an interesting topic dealing with happiness and pursuit of it. The author discovered that 4 out of 5 people are not happy with the current state of their life which is quite profound. I decided today I would just watch facial expressions and listen to various conversations of others to see if they are happy. Many people believe that people, destinations, or items make us happy but the truth is happiness begins within.
Each of us can recall when we purchased that one item that we just felt so happy we had it but later on the unhappiness returned even though we had the item. I actually found myself laughing when I came to this truth when I had my so called “happy item” in my hand, though at that time, I was not happy. The other shocking view of unhappiness is that majority of it is brought on by ourselves, not by others. When we started thinking negative then we found ourselves unhappy.
Think for a couple of seconds…..
The last time that you were unhappy was it by choice?
When you were really happy did you find that more people wanted to be
around you?
Do you feel carefree and no weight on your shoulders when you are
happy?
Are you happy?
Comments and faves
snowdog!, Alexandra Mathias, zadalew, Eythor, and 83 other people added this photo to their favorites.
snowdog! (71 months ago | reply)
The tongue is a nice touch. Thanks for making me take stock this morning, T.
jhary (71 months ago | reply)
I know someone who's only happy when she's miserable.
This might sound cynical, but perhaps the older we get, we replace happiness with comfort? There's something innocent, wondrous, allusive, and fleeting about happiness. Can it ever be sustained? Or are we sentenced to seek it while we're young, naive, and full of energy — and later learn to live only with the comfort we have secured?
I know: what a bummer.
arkworld (71 months ago | reply)
great thought provoking post teddy. hmmm. i don't consider myself a happy person, but im not unhappy. i'm somewhere in the middle and i have bursts of happiness(usually when i buy something or hang out with friends/family). don't really have bursts of unhappiness thought. they're more like...bursts of boredom. and those happen more often that i would like for them to happen. :)
olivestar | marta locklear (71 months ago | reply)
Fabulous...the image and the food for thought!
yes...changed immediately
yes...and my life is full now
yes...wish I could do the same with not enough time in the day!
Thanks Teddy!
lrmerideth (Leya) (71 months ago | reply)
Great post Teddy. One of my fav sayings is from La Leche "People before things". I try to keep it in mind as I make decisions throughout the day. I find when I stick to that mantra I am much happier. My 5d was an incredible gift, but my family make it pale in comparison. Thanks again for prompting these thoughts!!
Sassy Walt (71 months ago | reply)
Thought provoking post Teddy..............
hhhmmm.............. happiness................
Had a terrible day - husband lost his credit card and his car broke down. Events make us unhappy but I suppose the opposite is true too.
Need some happiness my way. Maybe I should be a 5D - it is on my wish list.
Rachel Schell [deleted] (71 months ago | reply)
I can honestly say I'm not happy and I've known that for a long time. everything you typed here is correct, but the struggle is...."how do you find happiness if it's been lost for so long?" it's not as easy as you make it sound.....
*}A Queen's Perspective is BACK!! (71 months ago | reply)
Such an insightful passage. The one thing that I have learned as an adult is that, as individuals, we are responsible for our own happiness. No one or no one thing can make us happy.
True happiness, comes from within. Knowing that we are the best that we can be is an important atribute of happiness. Giving 100% to any project or task we undertake, regardless to its final result is a form of happiness for me. Knowing that I've done my best is a great achievement. Being myself and happy with the person that I am is great satisfaction.
very thought proviking post!
ieatcrayonz (71 months ago | reply)
I would say that most of the time, if I'm unhappy it's by choice, but the last time I was unhappy, it was not by choice.
Hence the quitting of my job and the selling of my home.
So now I'm happy. I say yes to the last two. (A client hugged me yesterday.)
J * O * Y
KristinHayes (71 months ago | reply)
I so love this picture. To me the freedom (internal and external) to act silly is all important in the quest for happiness. More people should let loose and act goofy. :-)
-Teddy (71 months ago | reply)
snowdog101 Thanks. Glad I could help.
jhary Very strange. That is true I find many people don’t like changes but there are times that in order to maintain happiness you must be willing to endure changes. I found that when I was younger that many people told me that you have to have this item and that person in order to be happy. So I pursued this and that person only to find after getting it the unhappiness returned.
arkworld I know what you mean.
olivestar No problem.
lrmerideth (Leya) Totally agree my cam is minute compared to the love I have for those close to me.
Sassy Walt Sorry to hear about the turn of events. Crazy events like this do damper our life great thing about it is that are only temporary.
thepinkangel By all means life is a struggle. Staying happy at all times means you’re always fighting to stay positive even though negative thoughts always pop up. What you don’t want is to be swamped with negative thoughts all time that it could lead to finding fault in every area of life and others. I found myself a while back complaining about everything that I had to catch myself and evaluate myself. Turns out a lot of what I was thinking about was negative or seeing myself in a situation where I thought it was not going to turn out good. Since then I’ve been working on making me a better person that I want to be around. My ultimate goal is when I walk in a room I want others to feel happy being around me and to be happy in any situation in life. I’ll keep checking to see how things are going with you.
A Queen's Perspective... Excellent to hear that you. Take care.
-Teddy (71 months ago | reply)
ieatcrayonz Talk about a big change glad you found it.
KristinHayes I guess this what prompted the picture. Just letting loose and having fun.
quahyte [deleted] (71 months ago | reply)
oo i want ur camera :O
~Nicole~ (71 months ago | reply)
I totally agree with you said. I think that mostly I am happy, just stressed out which can make one unhappy at times. But I have been blessed with alot in my life to which I am thankful!
Rachel Schell [deleted] (71 months ago | reply)
I know what you're saying about being more positive. it's always been a hard thing for me because as long as I can remember I've been a pessimist. I don't think I would know how to be an optimist, but my issues go deeper than just changing the way I think, but I'm working on things. thanks for the reminder to keep it up. I've been getting quite a few subtle signs regarding this lately. I think changes are around the corner for me.
ohmomof1 (71 months ago | reply)
I take happy pills to make myself happy. :o)
I love this! Especially the stars and tongue. Fun!
edited to say: I think you bring up some great points and are mostly right. The thing with depression is that you can't help it sometimes. You can desperately try to be happy, you want to be happy, you have no reason not to be happy, you just aren't. This is why I take medication. I had no reason to be unhappy; never been assaulted, hurt in some dramatic way, had an average childhood for the most part, never tried drugs or was drunk, have a healthy marriage and child, etc.
But I realize I'm most happiest when I have something to look forward to; whether it's waiting for summertime, a date with friends, vacation with family, or a fun event. I think that's why people are addicted to shopping as you mention, with their "happy products". It's the joy of something to look forward to; hope. I think this gives us a natural release of endorphins.
*davidsαngle [deleted] (71 months ago | reply)
wise words !
the secret of happiness is so simple :
not to look on things we don't have,
to look on things we have,
not excpect anything !
I'm happy !
and I would be more happy if I would finally have the 5D ;)
-Teddy (71 months ago | reply)
ohmomof1 I agree that depression is very different level but I love the fact that you stated you wanted to be happy. I believe if you continue to pursue true happiness by any means you will get it. Thanks for sharing Tina.
*davidsαngle Hah! I know the feeling. I got the 5D and I'm already eyeballing some more lens (300mm 2.8 IS, 14mm, 16-35mm 2.8) and a Mac. The eyes are never satisfied...
childish_david No doubt.
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Seen on your photo stream. (?)
NTconcepts (71 months ago | reply)
Great post. I like beeing told to think.
Heather** (71 months ago | reply)
Very wise and interesting post. Makes you think . When ever I am unhappy, I always remember to remind myself of what I have and that I have no "real" reason to be unhappy. Usually a good starbucks cheers me up.
*Cinnamon (71 months ago | reply)
I love this shot....it enhances my happiness.
espressoDOM (71 months ago | reply)
im happy...just tired.....
life is draining me of my life force....
i love everything i do...but it is taxing and takes a lot out of me to provide the life i lead..... gotta say Im happy but u often couldnt tell by looking at me......
i love the sentiment of your words my friend.... love the sentiment
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Seen in some comments. (?)
Sophie Em. (71 months ago | reply)
Yes!! im happy!!
aguilarphotographer.com (71 months ago | reply)
Great read!
Well I try to be happy but most of the time I find myself stuck in reality. My daily tasks and life’s journey usually turn into challenges. But when I am happy, I feel like I am on top of the world. You know what makes me happy and worry free? Spiritual reading. I am able to find the strength inside of me to diminish all my worries. Unfortunately I need peace and quiet to read and I haven't had that in 3 years. Although there isn't a day that passes that I don't have the desire to continue my reading. Okay...I have gone on long enough.
Thanks again for letting us share our thoughts.
TAHAG (71 months ago | reply)
Very interesting topic that I just recently discussed with my husband. I am currently unhappy with our lifestyle but very happy with the family. It's so true that we make ourselves unhappy. But I think it's hard to constantly try to stay positive and happy when life throws A LOT of unhappy things at you. I find myself the happiest when I am home safe with my family.
iBebels (71 months ago | reply)
I am happy! I'd be happier if I had that camera in my hand, but I'm happy! But I'm really happy that you're on the Front Page of Explore! Congrats! =)
lalit_lovi (71 months ago | reply)
Kapil
yellowrubberduck (71 months ago | reply)
:)
karl.simpson (71 months ago | reply)
I can relate. Well said.
-Teddy (71 months ago | reply)
i r aguilar Love reading especially during quiet moments.
espressoDOM Thanks Dom!
iBebels I got it! I was number 3 but looks like I'll be in and out all day. Thanks for the email.
TAHG Being at a coffeehouse sounds good right about now.
Thanks again everyone for the comments and love.
Lab2112 (71 months ago | reply)
Really gives a new twist to "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." :-)
A+++ Grade Photo
night86mare (71 months ago | reply)
A+++ Grade Photo
Commented with SIC
scaamanho (71 months ago | reply)
Congratulations! This wonderful image is currently (or was recently) one of Flickr's Top 10 most interesting photos. (It is/was on page one of the calendar view.) Would you please add it to the Top 10 Interestingness pool? It would be a great addition!
Tendai (71 months ago | reply)
Active minds are often not fully satisfied because you are looking for that next step. I can't say I am happy, but I know I am not unhappy. Just content. Great picture, and a good honest question for the masses.
c h r i s (71 months ago | reply)
Wonderful image and topic Teddy.
Very appropriate for me today.
It's nice to sometimes step back and think about these things and realize what is truly important and your post has helped me do that.
3rd foundation (71 months ago | reply)
Wonderful description on this image. I'm pretty happy most of the time. I think we all know the 'item happy' feeling. I like to stretch out the feeling by ordering books I want on amazon and shipping them slowly. Gives me something to look forward too (well ... really the shipping is free so that's why I ship it slow, but it does make it fun going out to the mailbox. You know one day there won't be just a pile of bills waiting for you) ;-)
I do agree that happiness comes from within, not from stuff or locations.
Emily Robertson 26 (71 months ago | reply)
I'm...content, i'd say.
Made me happy looking at this image in explore instead of flower after HDR shot after bug on a flower. :P
The thing is, it's easy to know when you're unhappy. when you're happy, you don't notice so much that you are happy; you just are.
Lovely image and thought-provoking desription. Thanks for making my day happier.
K.Swiss (71 months ago | reply)
Fascinating stuff! Really interesting writing with the photo!
my_space_monkey (71 months ago | reply)
this pic teddy makes me smile and smiling makes me happy along with a good dose of laughter good one teddy!
photoeyesee (71 months ago | reply)
True Indeed !! A great Self Portrait, Tasty food for thought !!!
grekei (71 months ago | reply)
right on for the right on!!! oh nice photo, too.
_sarchi (71 months ago | reply)
I might be a tad offside but it looks like freedom of rights frustrations
LucaPicciau (71 months ago | reply)
Funny! ;-)
1RoseHill (71 months ago | reply)
Happiness. I think it's real. I've been through a lot the last couple of years where I was REALLY unhappy. But I am happy now. I think even when my days are bad, inside I am still happy. A bad day for me would be a heaven's gift to many unfortunate others. Happiness is an ultimate positivity that everything will be alright. That goodness will always prevail. That every cloud has a silver lining and the sun will always rise tomorrow. If deep down inside you believe in those things then you are happy.
{emily e.} (71 months ago | reply)
too cute =)
Traciѐ (71 months ago | reply)
thanks for sharing! :o) great post! :o)
ue06 (71 months ago | reply)
definitely great image, and I love the tongue out! Reminds me of my husband who always has his tongue out like that when he concentrates! Quirky with the stars and crown above your head too!
Really like the writing and all the responses too, very interesting and a lifelong struggle for many of us! Maybe sometimes when you can't recapture happiness that you have lost, changes are in order...
I found myself needing to make more space for friends, family and creativity and to have to slow down a bit to begin to like myself again (and the priorities I am setting), rather than just spending all daylight hours and weekends working and trying to be 'successful', having prestige and money (but no time for friends and family! And so I have also taken the time and rediscovered my joy of taking photographs and finding beauty in places around me. And I'm glad to have found all of you on Flickr to explore and grow!!! :-)
diabsoud (71 months ago | reply)
It's been posited that "happiness is a state of mind." I guess it would mean indeed it begins within. Yet Jhary made a point of pursuing happiness when young and settling on comfort when aged. I'd like to propose that maybe being comfortable with oneself is integral to ones happiness. That also is a journey within. I am a happy person because I am comfortable with myself. I've found the most important things in life are the intangibles...these bring happiness... kindness to others [even when they don't like you], respect for self and others, integrity, honesty, charity, love....
I look at your pictures Ted and it actually brings me more happiness and joy.... I think you have a unique eye... and am sure it brings a lot more people happiness and joy.... hope this doesn't put any pressure on you :) Keep Clicking.
Jackie Hutch (70 months ago | reply)
Cool, something I've been thinking about alot lately. Life isn't what I dreamed up / imagined when I was a kid, it's what I make it, so I try to focus on the great things. Thanks for the happy lens:) It's a sweet lens but leaves me lusting after that 1.2. Dang.
jc_iverson (Imagery by Jordan) (69 months ago | reply)
Great vision on this work. The processing adds a great touch.
Well done!