I share with you my views on happiness as I perceive it.

The awareness has come to me that happiness in its truest form is so much more than an emotion. It is much more than a fleeting smile or a deep belly laugh. Happiness is a seed within our souls which when fed and nurtured flourishes and spreads throughout our physical being then overflowing and radiating into our auras.

It is not something we can manufacture with material possessions, which is a different level of happiness altogether, a far more superficial level. For some this is of great importance for it allows them to surround themselves with instruments which maintain their inner façade of happiness. Some require no more than this façade to live their lives in comfort. That is their choice and they have every right to do so. This level of comfort is usually the result of much hard work and sacrifice which gives them the final outcome – their own version of happiness.

Some may find contentment in a career which is perfect for them. I question whether this choice will always be so perfect. As they grow and evolve it is possible that they will need a different path to fulfil them.

Some pin their happiness on a particular geographical location and yes, some environments suit some more so than others. I do not believe that the soul reason for happiness can be attributed to the environment.

Yet others believe that their happiness depends upon other people. Others being children, parents, or extended family and friends or even the ‘perfect’ partner. While I do understand that having others in our lives does indeed add more dimensions and levels I still do not believe that another person can give you happiness. They may in their own ways, children as loving, reliant fruit of our loins; parents as the ever present influence or partners who bring passion, love and lust; all contribute to one’s happiness but are they absolutely necessary for one to be happy?

I know that I would be ecstatic for that one man, that passionate, intelligent, amazing lover and lifelong partner to share my life. Does this mean that until he chooses to do so I am unable to be happy? I choose not to accept that as my reality. I choose to be happy now, even though on a different level he would add so much to my life. I know that I have the love of my children and my friends and family; they however have their own lives to lead. I cannot be reliant on them to fill the empty voids in my life. The only person who can actually do this is me!

For me, true happiness comes from within. It is a letting go of preconceived ideas of what is right and wrong for me. It is allowing me to be the person that I Am. It is being able to walk my own path without fear of retribution from others. It is about freedom of the heart and allowing the spirit to soar. It is being able to love myself first and foremost and allowing that love to flow on to others. Happiness is a state of being.

This is my perception of happiness… after all there is no happiness without love.

Trish Johnston 24th April 2014 ©