Define Your Own Happiness - Day 97 of 365 Days to a Better You

Can you define happiness for you?

What makes you happy? Do you know?The vast majority of people say they want to be happy in life. For a topic so important, many go through life without ever really defining what it means for them.The Declaration of Independence enshrines happiness in the American consciousness.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

You probably are among those pursuing happiness, but have you ever really taken the time to determine what makes you happy? Some of the all-time greats have tried to define happiness. Their definitions may guide you on the path, but you are the only one who can truly decide what makes you happy.Here are a few of my favorite definitions of happiness and descriptions of the pursuit of happiness. Give them a look and really think about this question. What would truly make you happy?Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.~Mahatma GandhiThe secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.~SocratesThe myriad things are complete in us. There is no greater joy than to reflect on ourselves and become sincere.~MenciusHappiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.~Henry David ThoreauHappiness depends on ourselves.~AristotleThere is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path.~BuddhaWhat can you glean from these quotes? Happiness, it would seem, is something that is aligned with being your true self, aligning with your true path, basically being authentically you.How are you doing that right now? How are you not doing that right now? How could you do more of it?Happiness may be that elusive butterfly, but you, my friend, are born to attract it.RayJust a reminder. Tomorrow begins our 10-Day Detox. I've had a couple people share what they are giving up. Beginning at midnight tonight, no soda (especially by beloved Dr. Pepper) will touch my lips for 10 days.This, by the way, falls very much in line with John Stuart Mill's quote about happiness."I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them."