Is Happiness Out Of Reach?

The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human right that has been recognized by the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Over 240 years later, you would think that if there’s one thing the world knows about know, it’s how to find happiness. Indeed, the US Declaration of Independence has been one of the most inspiring documents throughout history. It has inspired over 190 countries in the world to build their own declaration. The right to happiness is an inalienable right, recognized at a global level. However, you would be wrong to assume that being happy plays an integral part in our lives. In reality, mental health figures are alarmingly negative. Indeed, it appears that people suck at building happiness for themselves. Is life satisfaction an impossible right?

We make it hard for us every day

As surprising as it might sound, the most vicious enemy on your path to happiness is yourself. Indeed, most people punctuate their routine with stressful events that make it more difficult to reach a relaxed state of mind where happiness becomes a possibility. Indeed, start with your morning routine. Do you use an alarm clock to get up in the morning? Most of us do. But, for some unknown reason, we all pick a nerve-wracking sound to wake up to. Switching to a song you like, instead, could enhance your morning routine dramatically. Keep your eyes open for the little things you do day after day that creates unnecessary stress. 

Stress affects us deeply

Stress is a major part of our daily life. Aside from the stress you create for yourself through ill-advised habits, there’s another type of stress, which is the one that comes from external factors around you. Whether it’s a hectic workplace or dealing with a life-changing health condition, there is very little you can do to get rid of external stress. Coping mechanisms can help to alleviate pressure; however, for a lot of people, coping can escalate into unhealthy habits when there’s too much to handle. The Lake Wellness Center reckons that, even though it is a long journey to free yourself from destructive habits, it is a necessary step toward happiness. At the heart of it, you can’t control life events, but the way you choose to react to them can make a difference.

We want it all; we want it all

We live in a society of instant gratification. Indeed, the on-demand culture and same-day delivery strategies have trained us to get everything we want at the click of a button. According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, young adults are more likely to experience unhappiness as they can’t fulfill their need for instant gratification. In a way, it’s impossible not to think of spoilt Veruca Salt in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, who wants everything now. She meets her endgame in the factory as a consequence of her gratification-seeking behavior. The question is: Do we want to end like Veruca? 

It’s time for a change of mindset. Happiness is a right, but it is a right we actively deny ourselves through our behavior and lifestyle choices. As long as we refuse to learn from our mistakes and improve our ways, it’s fair to say that happiness will remain but an impossible dream.