Why is happiness only temporary?
"A Brief look at the obvious truth about happiness" by Herb Sennett, Ph.D., D.Min.
Believe it or not: Happiness is A Temporary Situation, Not a Permanent Condition
In a world that constantly urges us to “be happy,” many people quietly carry a sense of failure when happiness slips through their fingers. We are surrounded by messages that suggest happiness is something we should achieve and then maintain—like a destination we arrive at and never leave. But what if that assumption is flawed? What if happiness is not a permanent condition, but a temporary situation?
In a world that constantly urges us to “be happy,” many people quietly carry a sense of failure when happiness slips through their fingers. We are surrounded by messages that suggest happiness is something we should achieve and then maintain—like a destination we arrive at and never leave. But what if that assumption is flawed? What if happiness is not a permanent condition, but a temporary situation?
"What science says about happiness"
Happiness is neither a stroke of luck nor a fleeting emotion beyond our control. It is a phenomenon rooted in scientific inquiry and proven by decades of research across psychology, neuroscience, and education. Today, the tools to cultivate genuine, lasting happiness are within our reach, and understanding them can be truly life-changing.
In this four-part discussion, we will unravel the robust foundations of the science of happiness—from the influential PERMA model to the complex interplay between our biology and psychological habits. We will move beyond theory, examining evidence-based practices that elevate well-being, and demonstrate how these principles can—and must—be applied in our schools, workplaces, and everyday lives.
This is not wishful thinking. The science is clear: happiness can be intentionally developed, regardless of your starting point. By exploring and adopting proven strategies, you will discover the means to foster joy, resilience, and purpose—not only for yourself, but for your community. Let’s embark on a confident, informed journey through the science of happiness. The path forward is well-lit; now is the time to take the first, decisive step.
In this four-part discussion, we will unravel the robust foundations of the science of happiness—from the influential PERMA model to the complex interplay between our biology and psychological habits. We will move beyond theory, examining evidence-based practices that elevate well-being, and demonstrate how these principles can—and must—be applied in our schools, workplaces, and everyday lives.
This is not wishful thinking. The science is clear: happiness can be intentionally developed, regardless of your starting point. By exploring and adopting proven strategies, you will discover the means to foster joy, resilience, and purpose—not only for yourself, but for your community. Let’s embark on a confident, informed journey through the science of happiness. The path forward is well-lit; now is the time to take the first, decisive step.
"Our World Needs More Happiness and Joy"
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” --Albert Einstein
Pursuing happiness and joy often takes a backseat in a world constantly evolving with technological advancements, societal changes, and ever-increasing pressures. Despite the material progress and conveniences modern life offers, many individuals find themselves trapped in cycles of stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. This growing disconnect between external achievements and internal fulfillment underscores our urgent need for more happiness and joy. Here’s why fostering happiness and joy is essential for individuals and society as a whole.
"HAPPINESS VS. PLEASURE"
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain
rEAD THIS SPECIAL FEATURE: A SEGMENT FROM DR. SENNETT'S NEWEST BOOK,
TAKE A CHANCE ON HAPPINESS.
"You can be a light to others"
“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being."
– Carl Jung
– Carl Jung
"how to BUILD A POSITIVE ATTITUDe"
a few secrets to help live your life more fully
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller
My dad died at a time in my life right after I had begun to build a family. So, at 33, I buried one of the most influential people in my life. That was probably the most traumatic event that I had ever experienced. I also included the year I spent in combat in Vietnam. I never realized that thinking negative thoughts often lead to a person being thought of as depressed.
I spent the next 10 years trying to figure out why I was having problems with being so negative. I asked myself these questions: “Why am I having these struggles?” “Why do I seem to be negative all the time?”
Finally, my wife insisted that I talk to my doctor about it. That conversation resulted in a prescription, but the negative thinking continued. That's when I decided to get some help from a counselor. What I learned during the following year helped me turn my life around. The counselor guided me through the negative thoughts into a positive outlook. Now that I'm nearly eighty, I have started a new career.
I want to share some of the insights I gained with you. If you incorporate these two simple suggestions, you may not solve your negative thinking, but you'll positively influence yourself and the people around you.
I spent the next 10 years trying to figure out why I was having problems with being so negative. I asked myself these questions: “Why am I having these struggles?” “Why do I seem to be negative all the time?”
Finally, my wife insisted that I talk to my doctor about it. That conversation resulted in a prescription, but the negative thinking continued. That's when I decided to get some help from a counselor. What I learned during the following year helped me turn my life around. The counselor guided me through the negative thoughts into a positive outlook. Now that I'm nearly eighty, I have started a new career.
I want to share some of the insights I gained with you. If you incorporate these two simple suggestions, you may not solve your negative thinking, but you'll positively influence yourself and the people around you.
"6 Key Steps To Live Life To its Fullest"
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” -Henry David Thoreau
You could say that in life we are motivated by two basic forces – love and fear. Love opens us to the passion and excitement that love has to offer, while fear causes us to withdraw from life and hide away, terrified of hurt and pain. John Lennon said something along these lines and noted that without the ability to love ourselves, we can't truly love others.
Fear is holding you back from tackling life and living it to the full. It can stop you in your tracks and keep you from chasing your dreams, and often, we don't even realize what fears are haunting us. We are terrified of failing, of losing love, of being lonely, of having to change, and of the unknown, too. We are veritable cowardly lions.
While there is a time and place for fear, which often protects us from truly dangerous experiences, they can also be destructive. With these six steps, you can put fear to one side and start living your life to the fullest.
Fear is holding you back from tackling life and living it to the full. It can stop you in your tracks and keep you from chasing your dreams, and often, we don't even realize what fears are haunting us. We are terrified of failing, of losing love, of being lonely, of having to change, and of the unknown, too. We are veritable cowardly lions.
While there is a time and place for fear, which often protects us from truly dangerous experiences, they can also be destructive. With these six steps, you can put fear to one side and start living your life to the fullest.
for you: an article of encouragement
"You can be truly happy -- that's right, you can!"
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”--Maya Angelou
Today just might be the day that changes your life. You could possibly have a breakthrough, like the light coming out from behind a cloud. You see, happy people deliberately do things that invariably lead them to happiness. So, you should focus on unlocking your true potential and claim your ultimate birthright: HAPPINESS! You can begin by doing those things that will inevitably lead to your happiness. But what are those things? And how do they help? Well...
are you aware of the latest research
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