The A-Z of Positive Personality Traits - H is for Happy

The A-Z of Positive Personality Traits - H is for Happy

Next letter up for the A-Z challenge of Positive Personality Traits is H - and H is for Happy. I think Happiness is the first word that comes to mind when you talk about positive traits - everyone wants to be happy with the life they're living and with the choices they're making.

Happiness comes to some people easily and it comes much harder to others. Our society is weighed down by depression and all the associated qualities that come with it. Happiness is becoming more elusive with every new generation. I don't think anybody really knows why this is - maybe it's because we've lost the simple life and the world we live in is not conducive to natural happiness.


There is so much comparison and envy and dissatisfaction out there too. Our lives are never as good as those we compare ourselves to. I think comparison is the natural enemy of happiness and something we need to avoid at all cost. Why preempt anything that leads away from a genuine satisfaction and happiness in our day to day lives?

The A-Z of Positive Personality Traits - H is for Happy

Happy people find life a lot easier to bear, they can't help but find pleasure in what they do and they bring happiness to those around them. Sometimes they can be a little wearying with their upbeat natures, but nobody can begrudge someone who is naturally happy. The secret often comes down to finding contentment in what we have - not succumbing to the culture of "scarcity" that has developed in our first world mindset. 

Gratitude for what we have, and a genuine appreciation of the blessings bestowed on us, can lead to being more positive and finding happiness in our lives. I can't emphasize enough though, happiness is not the cure for depression - there is so much more involved for those who are beset by this insidious condition and telling someone to be happy is the last thing they need to hear. Sensitivity and grace are called for - not platitudes.

For the rest of us though, looking for moments when we are happy in our day can make us appreciate how fortunate we really are and lead us towards recognizing how often good things come our way..

See you next time for the continuation of Positive Personality TraitsI is for Independent.


This post is part of the April #atozchallenge.

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25 comments

  1. Being Happy has indeed become an elusive feeling! Our expectations from life have gone up manifold and simple joys are a lost art! Contentment and gratitude are becoming equally elusive.
    Thanks for reminding us about this
    @KalaRavi16 from
    Relax-N-Rave

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    1. you are so right Kala - we seem to lose our happiness levels as our expectation levels increas - sad but true.

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  2. Being happy is something that perhaps the current generation in particular are struggling with. We have all become so obsessed with having it all that we forget about the simple joys of life. We work so hard to make money for a lifestyle we can't enjoy. What a shame! My grandson however, brings me constant joy and happiness I didn't think I would fall in love again but I have.

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    1. It comes back to family and relationships and the simple things in life in the end doesn't it = Sue? x

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  3. I think happiness comes from appreciating what we have rather than envying other people, and taking pleasure from the small things
    Debbie

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  4. Happiness, I believe, comes for looking within. The world "out there" isn't going to change that - ever.

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    1. the world out there seems to be doing it's best to suck happiness out of us Toni - looking within seems to be the best way to go.

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  5. When I was in a deep depression years ago my therapist told me happy isn't a destination it's a feeling, that you have more of some days than others.The secret is to be able to find something everyday that makes you feel happy. If you can't find it eat chocolate and smile.How do you like the challenge?

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    1. I'm really enjoying the challenge Doreen (the a-z and the eating chocolate and smiling one!) It's been a great experience and fun to stick to a theme for a month - thanks for inspiring me!

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  6. A great H word~ It is work, sometimes to find it...but worth all the effort!

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    1. I agree Ella - happiness doesn't always fall into our laps (it's nice when it does but we can't count on that happening)

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  7. Happiness is fleeting, like a blossom. Beautiful, but only a moment. Contentment is more like a garden, with care, planning and patience, there is often something in bloom. A great H word!

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    1. I love that Nancy - if you made it up you should take ownership of it! I'm going to write it down and pin it :)

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    2. I guess I made it up. Can't find anyone who said it before me. :-)

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  8. Okay, now I'll have Pharrell's song in my head for hours. :-D But that's okay. I don't know that I could describe myself as happy. I am pretty content, though. And joyful... even in the most challenging moments. I suppose it's all in one's perspective. Much to think about here. Thank you!

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    1. Now I'm going to have Pharrell stuck in my head too Lisa - I do love that song :)

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  9. We did Happy for H too! Great minds!!

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  10. Hi Leanne, I've previously commented so I stumbled instead. :)

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  11. Leanne what a lovely post. You have such insight into the real issues. I like your point that comparison is the natural enemy of happiness. This digital age gives so much opportunity to compare ourselves with others. I find I have to watch myself and not be comparing myself with other bloggers who look like they are doing better than me. They probably are so I will be happy for them and go about my own business trusting each day as I go. You bring so much to the table for which we are thankful.
    Kathleen

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  12. Such a blessing you reminding us that happiness is not the solution for depression.
    Happiness is related to that fulfillment that depression patients lack. It comes from within. And very few people who look happy really know what happiness truly means.
    Loving this series!

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  13. I have read both your "H" and "I" posts and enjoyed them both. You have a great way of writing that is uplifting and easy to connect with.
    I feel that it is so true about being happy and having a positive outlook. Those days when I feel upset/mad/hurt are not fun days, everything seems to go wrong on those days and I feel miserable. But like you said, when we have a positive/happy outlook it makes you more appreciative of the small and big things in life!

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  14. I love this post, Leanne. I especially like the part about contentment being the basis of happiness. I have a sign to that effect over my kitchen sink and love the reminder. I think the choice to choose to be happy (positive) rather than unhappy (negative) is one we have to make every day. There are always circumstances that are negative; it's our response to them that often (not always) defines just how bad they really are. Thanks for this reminder!

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  15. A great post, I love happy but do understand that often for reasons unknown we do get unhappy. I myself seem to love being happy all the time and when I feel myself getting down I do things that lift me. Thanks for sharing on #overthemoon

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Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.