What’s a common misconception people have about happiness?

Happiness is often seen as the ultimate goal. The best state of being. And often the pursuit of happiness leads to poor decisions and impulsive actions, or it can lead people to create fake happiness for appearances’ sake.

Now I’m not some perpetually grumpy person who hates happiness. In fact, I’m like most people in that I prefer to be happy. However, I am at a point in my life where I am ok without happiness. I can sit with my discomfort and reflect on my feelings.

In my youth, I made reckless and impulsive decisions thinking that they would lead to happiness. I spent money I didn’t have. I tolerated people I didn’t like. I smiled when I was uncomfortable. But none of that brought me real happiness.

I have come to realize that real happiness comes from truth. Being your true self, feeling your true feelings, and having true relationships being honest happiness. The kind that lasts and helps your mental health.