Happiness – Is that even real?
Wikipedia defines happiness as “a mental or emotional state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.” The issue isn’t so much that we don’t know what it is but rather that we continue to look for it “in all the wrong places!”
People start a weight loss program thinking that it will bring them happiness! “When I lose 25 lbs, I will be happy!” – “When I get back in control of my diet, I, for sure, will be happy!” Sound familiar? Why is it then that people lose weight all the time and gain it right back? Is it because they can’t deal with being happy? Of course not!
There are a few things to look at relating to happiness and weight. Let’s start with the fact that lack of happiness is the leading cause of weight gain! People most often gain weight when they are unhappy, in which case, the food is intended to supply the missing happiness. The big problem is that the food brings very short lived happiness then the void or unhappiness returns. The brain then kicks in with what he thinks is a brilliant idea… more food! That’s should return the state of happiness in theory. This vicious circle then goes round and round and the weight comes on just like that!
The second fact is that happiness isn’t something we can find on the outside, it is something we must cultivate on the inside. There are billions of dollars spent yearly on advertising making a compelling case that happiness can be found in “stuff” – vacations, new cars, bigger homes, a different job, a different spouse… and the list goes on! I’m not saying that you can’t be happier in a better car or in a more fulfilling relationship. What I am saying is that it may not be the answer to your particular source of unhappiness.
An interesting thing to know is that our lack of happiness also has a purpose… it is there to confirm that you need to change direction. The acute presence of unhappiness always leads to a breakthrough. The sooner you look at the source of your unhappiness, the quicker you will be enlightened as to the potential solution.
Now, I know what you are thinking… “I’d rather not know because the likelihood is that there’s nothing I can do about it!” Am I right? Fear is among the leading reasons why people don’t do anything! Fear of failure, fear of what other people think, fear of the unknown! I want you to think that there is nothing that you cannot do! I am the living proof of this! Becoming an entrepreneur in my late 40’s with everyone saying that most people fail a few times before they succeed… I had every reason to not even attempt what I do now! And yet, courage in hand, I went full steam ahead! I didn’t do it alone and there lies the key. You can do anything you want just remember that you don’t need to do it alone! You are surrounded by people who can help you and that holds true for anything you want to change!
