If I’m going to play, it must be on my own terms.
In my opinion, the most dangerous emotion one can experience is happiness. Now, I know what you’re thinking — how can happiness be dangerous? Shouldn’t it be something we all strive for?
Well, hear me out.
I’ve been through the ups and downs of life, just like everyone else. I’ve felt the depths of sadness and the fiery rage of anger. And those emotions, as intense as they may be, don’t hold a candle to the peril that happiness can bring.
When I’m feeling down and out, there’s a certain comfort in knowing that the only way to go is up. I can wallow in my sorrow for a little while, have a good cry, and eventually, things start looking up again.
Anger, too, has its outlets. I’ve had those moments where I’m so mad that I’ve thrown myself on the bed, screamed into a pillow, and even taken a power nap to cool off. Somehow, expressing my anger, even if it’s just to myself through writing, provides a temporary relief. It’s like releasing the steam from a pressure cooker, allowing me to regain some semblance of calm.
Other emotions, such as fear, shame, guilt, etc., can all be worked through and released, and one can then rise on the scale of consciousness, but happiness is a treacherous thing.
Happiness is a much higher vibration and what goes up eventually comes down. When I find myself feeling so happy, especially if it stems from external sources, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease. It’s like being on a roller coaster ride that’s exhilarating, yet you know the fall is inevitable.
It’s such a scary feeling to feel so high. And the higher you go, the harder the fall.
Relying on other people for my happiness is a risky game. It’s too dangerous for me to play. Whether it’s a boy who makes me smile or a kind word from a friend who makes me happy, it’s a ticking time bomb that makes me very uncomfortable.
That’s because humans are fickle creatures, and our moods can change in an instant. Today, they may lift you up with their words or actions, but tomorrow, they might say or do another thing that brings you crashing down.
I believe that if a person has the power to make me so happy, then they have the power to make me so sad. So, when I find myself happy because of someone else, I can’t help but worry. It’s a fragile state, teetering on the edge of uncertainty.
When we put all our happiness eggs in the external basket, we’re basically giving away the remote control to our emotional well-being. We become like those inflatable toys, bobbing up and down depending on the whims of the world. And that roller coaster ride is bound to leave you feeling queasy.
Happiness is a good feeling emotion and we have the power to make it a safe haven by finding it within ourselves. It’s like having your own secret stash of joy that doesn’t rely on anyone else.
True happiness must come from within, from a place that is not dependent on anybody else. That way, it becomes a steady flame, not easily extinguished by the unpredictable winds of life.
When we tap into our inner happiness, it’s like finding a rock-solid anchor that keeps us steady amidst life’s storms. This inner happiness becomes like a cozy little fire burning inside us, radiating warmth and contentment.
So, how do we unlock this inner happiness?
For me, it was all about getting in touch with myself. I found those little things that light me up from the inside and make them a part of my everyday life. Like writing and teaching or listening to music or an empowering podcast.
When my happiness is my own — born from within — I’m not at the mercy of others’ opinions or actions. I become the captain of my own ship, steering it through calm waters and stormy seas.
And that is an empowering feeling.
You can also make your happiness your own. Take a moment to reflect on what truly brings you joy. Maybe it’s belting out your favorite tunes in the shower, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, or simply staring at the stars on a clear night. Dive deep within yourself and find your happiness there. Do more of the things that bring you joy and nurture your well-being in the process.
Your own happiness will keep you smiling through life’s ups and downs.
Happiness, as paradoxical as it may seem, can be the most dangerous emotion. Its dependence on external factors and the potential for a sudden fall make it a precarious tightrope to walk. But by seeking happiness from within ourselves, we can find a more resilient and enduring joy that withstands the turbulence of life.
I want to be happy, but if I’m going to play the happiness game, then it must be on my own terms.
Instead of just wanting to be happy, I want to strive for happiness that is rooted in my own heart.
Happiness that is from within is joy and if my joy is mine then it can never be taken away from me no matter the circumstances.
I can be sad, mad, or feel bad and still have joy.
Michael J McCluskey 