Happy vs. Content

Today, take a minute (or more) and mull over the idea of happy vs. content. As a society, we are constantly inundated by the push to be “happy.” Isn’t that what much of advertising is all about? You’ll be happy if you get this new car or improve your appearance with this expensive face cream. You’ll be happy if you go on this fabulous vacation. And on and on. You know the drill. And we say it to ourselves. “I just want to be happy.” I think the glitch in this is the level of “happiness” we may be seeking. Think about this. Do you want to be high-level deliriously happy all the time? If so, as humans facing emotions, moods, confrontations, etc., it’s not a realistic endeavor. How about if we change the diatribe. How about if we say, “I want to feel content.” Contentment comes from a deeper place — it lasts longer — it includes gratitude. It’s not euphoric but steady and still. Contentment can stay. What do you think?