Naturally Happy

Dear Impossible Readers,

Psychological research increasingly indicates that seeking meaning leads to more enduring well-being than simply chasing happiness. A sense of purpose in life offers us resilience, direction, and perseverance. While pursuing long-term happiness can sometimes lead to unhappiness, this is known as the paradox of happiness. Nonetheless, I cannot help but notice how naturally joyful babies are. So, when does that happiness begin to fade?

Babies are almost always happy, except when nature calls. Unless they are experiencing some kind of distress like hunger, pain, illness, diaper emergency, or not enough cuddling, babies are genuinely joyful.

Perhaps happiness does not fade because life worsens, but because our awareness burdens us more. As we age, we accumulate memories, expectations, and comparisons. These may help us navigate life, but can also diminish our joy. For some, this heightened consciousness appears early, even before adulthood has a chance to smooth out those rough edges.

How can we regain happiness without chasing it? Research indicates that happiness often returns when we live with purpose. Purpose shifts our focus outward. Contributing, accepting responsibility, and finding meaning beyond ourselves lessen self-criticism. Although purpose does not eliminate suffering, it provides context, fostering a more peaceful and enduring happiness.

In search of meaning,
Yours Possibly