What Is Your Definition Of Happy? Do You Consider Yourself A Happy Mom?

Most of us claim to be happy (in our competitive society it’s hard to admit if you are not). What does happiness as a woman and as a mother mean to you though?

In a world of competition, advancement, knowledge and speed we are bombarded with things, toys, devices, technology, activities, instruments, and gadgets galore all advertising their ability to bring you happiness. Everyone declares their product or service is guaranteed to increase your happiness index. But let’s stop for a moment and reflect on what our definition of happiness is.

The funny thing about happiness is that it can take on a multitude of forms. Happiness, in my opinion, is not limited to one definition, to one explanation. I have come to understand that happiness is fluid, it’s mobile, it shifts in shape. What brings us happiness as a woman may not bring us happiness as a mother, and vice versa. It is impossible to confine a state of happiness and apply it universally. Different things, people and situations bring different types, amounts and forms of happiness to different people. I know that sentence is a bit complex, but in short, what I mean to say is happiness varies.

Joy, peace, contentment, exhilaration, anticipation, harmony, well being, thankfulness, appreciation, tranquility, security, glee, exuberance, thrill, excitement, love. These are all words expressing a type and a degree of happiness. Throughout our day we may experience all of these emotions, or maybe only one or two, or sadly on occasion, possibly none at all.

On top of this, what brings a smile to our face and a sense of joy in our being can easily change from day to day, even moment to moment. For example, say your two year old daughter decides to gift you with a spontaneous dance show because she hears some music. This may fill you with such love and joy if she bursts out in the middle of an idle afternoon. However, this same move may make you feel agitated if you are trying like crazy to get everybody out the door to an appointment you are already late for.

So how can we be happy if we can’t even truly define happiness and if what brings us happiness is constantly changing? Well, my theory is that we focus in on the moments we feel any of the above mentioned forms of happiness. Take a minute, even a split second, to stop and reflect on the emotion you are feeling at the exact time it happens. Make an effort to recognize when you are feeling good, when you are smiling, and think about it. Soak it in. If you can, close your eyes for an instant and breathe a quick prayer of thanks for what you are experiencing. Make the most of each minute of happiness you have, in any shape it takes and make it last. Ride that feeling for as long as possible. Keep it with you long after the particular instance is over. Take a mental picture and draw from it in the future, during a time of need.

As mothers we are given ample opportunities to bask in happiness. Our children can be utter delights if we let them. Recognize these times, acknowledge them, guard them and use them during the ample opportunities we also have that can easily rob us of our happiness.

There is so much more to discover in this journey to everlasting happiness. This is just the very beginning. To learn more about how you can be happy as a woman and happy as a mother every day, please visit http://www.happymombook.com. Sign up for my Everlasting Happiness Newsletter. It’s FREE!

Tanna Phares is an author and a mother of three young children. She helps women across the globe find enduring happiness in their lives as mothers. You can learn more about her by visiting http://www.littlemamabiglife.blogspot.com/.