Happiness is a myth.
If that is your goal in life, you’ll never get there.
You’ve got to learn to enjoy the journey and learn everything you can along the way.
Then, maybe, when you look back, you can say I had a happy life.
For me, its one very simple and effective statement:
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Speak for yourself, I’ve been very happy for the past 5 years.
Well, the only way to truly end your suffering is to take a shotgun to your temple. That is, of course, unless you believe in hell. That’s why my plan is to sign up for the most dangerous assignments in my department and just hope I get killed in the line of duty somehow. Of course, I’m just gonna wind up being the grizzled 40 year-old verteran just meandering into a hailstorm of bullets to save some woman, hoping for death, but getting nothing. Then, when I save the woman, she punches me in the crotch and sues me for accdentally grabbing her boobie.
Sigh, how does my contribution to a discussion on happiness spiral me into a depressive abyss, and end in a commentary of our current civil legislative practices? Ok, the key to happiness, do the exact opposite of what I do.
Orgasms.
No joke, they are the glue that holds relationships together, do wonders for the soul and keep you young.
Have realistic expectations.
The keys to my personal happiness are:
-
most importantly, feeling that there is justice in this world. When something happens, on a local level or in a broader sense, that I consider fair and just, I am truly happy.
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knowing that I am, in some small way, trying to repay all the kindnesses that are granted to me everyday. I’m truly happy when I believe I’m sending tasty karma into the universe, so I try to as often as possible.
- Meaning to life that goes beyond what you can see or prove scientifically.
- Loving others with all your heart, soul, and mind, and allowing them to do the same for you.
- Having principles and staying with those principles
- A healthy self image
“A nice MLT, you know, where the mutton is all nice and lean and juicy. It’s so perky! I love that!” - Princess Bride
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn, is to love, and be loved in return.” - Moulin Rouge
I also agree.
And a good song also helps.
“F is for friends who do stuff together …”
Intelligence and a sense of humor and common sense. All things are possible with these three qualities.
I’m trying to remember the exact words, but I can’t remember the specifics so I’ll try to come as close as I can. Like all things important, I learned this by watching TV. 
The last episode of Cheers, people are debating how to find happiness in life. Cliff, I believe, says it’s comfortable footwear. Another person says good friends. Norm, I think, said it best by holding up one finger.
“This is the secret of happiness.”
“What’s that, Norm? What’s that one thing?”
“That’s for each person to decide on their own.”
You figure out what that one thing is for you, and remember it, and you’ll be much closer to happiness.
And some people say TV is bad!
Actually, I find “be true to yourself” to be straightforward, logical, and useful.
There are certain things that you do throughout your life that inspire you, give you hope, give your life meaning, and so on. That could be things like painting, playing music, volunteering, travelling, enjoying nature, or raising a child. These are things that are central to our ‘selves’ and our well-being whether we know it or not and the more we move away from these things (the less we are true to our selves) the more we get lost and drift into what we might consider a meaningless existence.
Actually, I find “be true to yourself” to be straightforward, logical, and useful.
There are certain things that you do throughout your life that inspire you, give you hope, give your life meaning, and so on. That could be things like painting, playing music, volunteering, travelling, enjoying nature, or raising a child. These are things that are central to our ‘selves’ and our well-being whether we know it or not and the more we move away from these things (the less we are true to our selves) the more we get lost and drift into what we might consider a meaningless existence.
True love…And if that’s not possible, money. Not just a little money, Lots and lots of money. After love and money, you’ll find no truer companions besides death and pain.
Aren’t I a great guy to ask for advice?
Ranchoth
coffee
For at least one Doper, the answer to that question is Englebert Humperdinck. 
As for me, I don’t think there is any one key. It really depends on who you are. I’d say the key to DISCOVERING true happiness is to know yourself and follow the path that knowing yourself illuminates.
If all else fails, E.H.
Curse you abel! I was all set to type this in and then you come along and spoil it.
There goes my happiness…
Extending your circle of influence beyond the end of your nose. Service, happily given.
Beer.
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.
Beer.
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.