Are you happy? Most of the time, we make it hard to enjoy our lives by pursuing (追求) something that seems impossible. Happiness is possible for us all. First, we have to define (定义) what happiness is, and then reframe(重新定义) it if necessary.
For many, they have never-ending restrictions(约束，限制). I know this because I did so. I would think if only this would happen then I will finally be happy. When the great event happened, however, I didn’t take the time to enjoy the moment. I just added another restriction and continued to dream of something I would never get.
In my view, happiness is not an event nor a person. It is not a material thing, success, nor money. For me, it is gratitude (感恩). When I find the feeling of gratitude, then I find the joy. I don’t make it complicated, nor take it out of my own control. I don’t put my ability to be joyful in someone else’s hands.
Every day I look for things to be thankful for. I take a moment to enjoy the sunrise and sunset and give as many smiles and hugs as I can in one day. If I cannot be happy with what already have, then I wouldn’t be happy with more. I love finding the joy in simple things. When we remove the unnecessary limitations and expectations from our lives, then we open our hearts to receive more.
Recording my blessings in a gratitude journal helps me to see my life with new understanding. When I take time to thank God for all the blessing I have, I realize that I have everything that I need. I don’t spend much of my life complaining and crying about what I don’t have. Instead, I am grateful for what I have. The greatest gifts in life can’t be bought, or even be seen—they must be felt in our hearts.
【小题1】Why are we unhappy?| A．We cannot get what we want. | B．We don’t have aims in life. |
| C．We don’t know what happiness is. | D．We always want to achieve better results. |
| A．imaginative | B．wealthy | C．thankful | D．simple-minded |
| A．How the author spent his spare time. | B．How the author dealt with problems. |
| C．What the author cared more about. | D．What the author did to live happily. |
| A．Greed is so destructive. It destroys everything. |
| B．A thankful heart is a happy heart |
| C．Sometimes it is difficult to realize that life is too simple. |
| D．You’ll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart. |
