Is Happiness Like an Elusive Butterfly?

“Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will evade you, but if you notice the other things around you, it will gently come and sit on your shoulder.” ― Henry David Thoreau

Photo by Yuichi Kageyama on Unsplash

There are myriad of ways in which you could find happiness such as interacting with another person, attending a social event, doing social work, participating in a sport, having a nice meal, listening to music, travelling overseas, gardening, baking, cooking, watching a movie, reading a book, playing online game, and so forth.

In all of the above situations you are focusing on what you enjoy doing rather pursuing happiness in and of itself. Nevertheless, happiness happens as a consequential benefit. 

Sometimes making peace with yourself could be just what you need to unravel happiness with positive self-talk, self-forgiveness and shaking off poor self-image.

You can plan for your happiness and take action by scheduling time to do what you enjoy and also by noticing the "other things around you". Do not be clueless and take no action to find yourself meandering along the back alley of unhappiness.

ChatGPT will now assist to evoke your consciousness and expand your horizon to some of these other things as follows: 

"Connection with others: One of the strongest sources of happiness is our relationships. Genuine connections, whether with family, friends, or even strangers, can give us a deep sense of fulfillment. Instead of seeking happiness for ourselves alone, focusing on others, listening, being there for people, and contributing can bring a lasting sense of joy.

Gratitude: Sometimes, it’s all about shifting our focus. Instead of constantly looking ahead to what we don’t have yet, we can start to appreciate the small things in our daily lives. Taking time to notice and be thankful for the good moments—whether it's a quiet cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset—can help us feel happier.

Personal growth and self-compassion: Happiness isn’t always about external circumstances. It’s also about how we treat ourselves. Embracing self-compassion, being kind to ourselves when we fail, and continuously working toward becoming the best version of ourselves can create a deeper, more consistent sense of fulfillment.

Mindfulness: Being present in the moment is another powerful way to experience happiness. When we stop worrying about the past or future and fully immerse ourselves in what we’re doing, whether it’s eating, walking, or simply breathing, we create space for joy to emerge.

Purpose and meaning: Having a sense of purpose can be a huge source of happiness. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have a grand life mission, but feeling like what you do in life—whether it’s work, hobbies, or personal passions—has meaning can bring a deep sense of satisfaction.

Creativity and play: Sometimes, just allowing yourself to be playful and creative, without any pressure or expectation, can lead to a sense of happiness. Playfulness helps us to be more spontaneous, let go of stress, and experience the joy of just being in the moment.

Helping others: Engaging in acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply being supportive to those around you can be incredibly rewarding. Helping others often leads to a kind of happiness that we can’t fully predict or expect.

To sum it up, chasing happiness for its own sake can sometimes leave us feeling empty, but when we focus on living fully, being present, and giving to others, happiness tends to find its way to us. It’s all about balance—seeking fulfillment, but without turning happiness into a goal or a measurement of success.

What do you think? Does that perspective resonate with you?"

Don't forget to wear a smile each day as put into practice "these other things" which you find workable for your situation.

Thank you for reading Daily Refreshing.