Happiness: Being greatful for what is and not what is not.

Jean Smith writes that "happiness is being content with what we have, or at least accepting the reality of what we've been dealt --including material things, health, friendships, without embellishing stories."

This is not a new philosophy. Even the Bible looks at happiness as contentment with what is and that it has little to do with what you have or who you are around. The source of happiness is from within (Laurie, 2010).

I grew up Christian, so many will balk at me studying Buddhism, but I also studied other religions in high school, because protestant religions are many, and there are just as many variances in Christianity as in Buddhism. People are as diverse as their beliefs and vice versa, but we are the same in our goals. ie, we want to do more than survive this life. We want happiness and good will and to be able to deal with "dukkah" or pain, without long term suffering.

It is my thought that we will always have pain, but Buddhism, Christianity, Juddaism, Catholism, whichever you choose, allows a means to deal with pain, loss, aging, grief, whatever it is that is the cause inside you that reminds you that you are human and that your humanness is temporary.

Buddhism gives a means to letting go in my view. Maybe its no different than when people say "give it to God", but if I can meditate and release things that are bothering me, or practice not grabbing hold of negatives to begin with then happiness is easier to obtain, or enjoy, since happiness is not a mainstay. Happiness is finding joy in the moment. Like right now; enjoying the sun reflecting of the snow.

Statistics show 1 out of 10 people are depressed (Depression Statistics, 2012). Modern medicine says its chemical, but its also based on attitudes and how we adapt to issues in our lives. I've dealt with depression all of my life. Its taken 20 years for me to understand, I have the power to let go of things that bother me. Buddhism allows me to practice the means.

Resources:

Depression Statistics (2012) retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/health/depression/statistics-infographic

Laurie, Greg (2010), "Happiness Defined", The Christian Post, retrieved from http://www.christianpost.com/news/happiness-defined-46921/