Kas kestev õnn on võimalik? Is lasting happiness possible?

Lately  I` ve been thinking, whether is it possible to be happy  all the time.Studies have shown that  Estonians are relatively happy as a nation. Happiness among Estonians  is related to its place in society, income and   faith in democracy.  Estonian famous writer Tammsaare has written, if you work hard then love and happiness will follow, but work doesn`t make Estonian happy, income increases happiness. Money can buy you illusion of happiness, even  when it`s  temporary. Living together with a partner doesn`t  make Estonian happy, but  having children can boost happiness level.  Studies don`t t speak about it, but I have noticed that the merriest times  in Estonia are from May till August (vacation, sun and grill),  friday and payday.   The rest of the time many of us  wait patiently  for  friday, payday and holiday. Which of course does not mean. that happiness can not be felt occasionally, I believe that many people don`t  ever think  whether they are happy or not. My grandmother turned  99  on last Saturday, and I don`t  know whether she is happy or not- we have never discussed it and frankly, I do not dare  to ask. Maybe she hasn`t  thought about it, but maybe she is the happiest person in the world. Happiness is a personal issue and  in Estonia, it`s not  common to discuss it. 

Researchers  have found that happiness consists of two aspects, how satisfied  are you with your life (finding meaning in your life) and how  do you feel on a daily basis (more positive emotions than negative). Studies also have shown, that if you are  trying desperately to be happy all the time, then very soon,  you  no longer know how to be happy, because nothing is sufficient for  the happiness. So  being   happy all the time isn`t actually healthy and it is quite normal that you do not feel  it all the time.  On moments, when you  feel that there is nothing in your life  to be happy for, teach you   the real happiness. How to appreciate  and be grateful for all the tiny things in your life. 
 It is possible to practice happiness on a daily basis  by keeping awareness on your  emotions without judging them. You have right to be sad or angry, but it doesn`t mean that  your life  is sad or  you are an angry person. It is only your current situation and sooner or later it will pass. It may  be stormy, but  it never  rains forever.  You can remind yourself  that one thing  every day that  makes you  happy and grateful  here and now. Even when  it's not anything special. Scientists say that continuous  practice of happiness increases lasting happiness and  if there are more moments of happiness,  the happier your life will feel. 

We were celebrating my grannys 99th birthday with this delicious  happy carrot cake.
Ma olen viimasel ajal

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