Everyone wants to be happy. Scientifically, happiness depends on the release of certain “feel-good” hormones. Contrary to popular belief, recreating the release of these “happy” hormones is not something we can buy. Often we search for new avenues to try to find happiness such as purchasing a new car or travelling to a new country. What many don’t realize is that by looking for big events to try to find happiness we often miss those small but powerful moments where we feel huge pleasures. I remember seeing my daughter play soccer for the first time in a competitive match. Though she did not have much skill, the joy I felt from watching her sprinting around the field was enormous.
Sometimes all you need is one quote to motivate you or give you inspiration. The 10 most powerful quotes below emphasize important aspects of happiness. If you enjoy these quotes share them with your friends and family.
#1 - “Happiness is not doing fun things. Happiness is doing meaningful things.”
Maxime Lagacé
Happiest Life interpretation: Do meaningful things such as helping others.
#2 - “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
Abraham Lincoln
Happiest Life interpretation: You are the CEO of your happiness.
#3 - “If you want to be happy, be.”
Leo Tolstoy
Happiest Life interpretation: You determine your happiness.
#4 - “Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.”
Thomas Jefferson
Happiest Life interpretation: Happiness is a way of life.
#5 - “Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.”
William James
Happiest Life interpretation: You have to be proactive to be happy.
#6 - “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
Mother Theresa
Happiest Life interpretation: You can make others be happier.
#7 - “I believe compassion to be one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives.”
Dalai Lama
Happiest Life interpretation: Be kind to others.
#8 - “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.”
George Sand
Happiest Life interpretation: We need to love ourselves and others to be happy.
#9 - “Happiness is not a goal...it's a by-product of a life well lived.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Happiest Life interpretation: Happiness is not a destination, it is a way of life.
#10 - “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Happiest Life interpretation: Happiness is a way of life.
Photo by Liliana Drew from Pexels
# - Key takeaway
Happiness is a way of life that you determine, so be kind and help others to help you on your journey.
Pick the quote you like the best and make print it out in large letters, then place it where you can see it often. Let the quote motivate you to have a happier life.
Written by Aldrin V. Gomes, PhD, FCVS, FAHA