Yes. More peace and content than OMG HAPPINESS because life still has its ups and downs but overall I am content. I am not religious but reading topics in taoism and mindfulness have helped.
this post was submitted on 03 Aug 2023
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What do you mean by long term happiness?
Is it a sense that everything is on the up and up, or just even keeled? Is it a belief that you are, at this moment, where you should be? Is it a retinue of loving friends and family who truly see you for the person you are and still love you? Is it a lack of worry about global or personal conditions, or the faith that those will be worked out?
A constant, unflagging upward trajectory of achievement, sociability, and unique and meaningful experience gathering is simply impossible, and drugs will not grant you more than shallow flashes in the pan in between long stretches of pain and drudgery.
You can’t face the enormity of the world and your life head on, your consciousness and awareness aren’t nearly big enough for that, so focus on the here and now and the hazy near future. Question what makes you feel happy, what experiences or people grant you value, and focus on those.
Happiness is irrelevant. You do what you need to do your duty to support yourself and your family first, then your fellow man second.
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There's a very old Denis Leary "joke" about it. I wouldn't normally take any kind of life advice from him, but this always stuck with me for some reason.
Language warning
“Happiness comes in small doses folks. It's a cigarette butt, or a chocolate chip cookie or a five second orgasm. You cum, you smoke the butt you eat the cookie you go to sleep wake up and go back to fucking work the next morning, THAT'S IT! End of fucking list!”
I would say the pursuit and journey for happiness is the sweet spot. It's why artists and studios jump right back into some of the hardest processes to go through as they try new things on a new project. After finishing their movie or game, that high of achieving all of those things eventually due down and the question of what happens next settles in.
Like climbing a mountain. Sure all the enjoyment is at the top, but once you learn to enjoy the grand scheme of the whole process, there lies happiness. Anything could happen, but it doesn't quite matter because you're still inspired and driven to climb your mountain.
Yes, fulfillment, stability, and a healthy social life
Yes. Many religious people including myself feel happy. That's one method.
Others find a purpose in their life to drive toward or dedicate themselves to. Be it art, friends, family, work, learning etc.
I would suggest looking at what you want from life, and asking yourself what the first step is to achieving that. I find that I'm at my happiest when I'm keeping on track with my goals.
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Happiness is an addiction that leads people to resort to violence to feed it.
I was abused by happiness addicts my entire childhood.