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I'm an American, so I apparently live in a culture where there's a lot of pressure to find happiness or be happy all the time... if this is detrimental to my health and well being, I'd like to learn from non-Americans what their culture of happiness is like, and how stable/healthy they are. I'd like to un-learn what's keeping me anxious and depressed.
My own principle is that the pursuit of happiness comes from chasing something that you don't already have. So, if you're grateful for everything you have and you don't really "want" anything else, maybe that's the cause for true happiness.
The problem is, do you have what it takes to comprehend yourself and come to terms with what you are or do you just want quick fix?
Almost everyone wants a quick fix-they have no desire to be bothered with the work that is required. If you tell someone that they will be more healthy if they work out, they will not do it and would rather complain. It is the same with your mind.
Your mind has a job to do. You can pursue that and forget about pursuing anything else, or you can opt out for seeking other things. It is that simple.
Enjoy the moment. I barely buy new stuff, and I don't care for shiny things. People at work wonder why I won't buy my own appartment, my own car or whatever. But I am happy with what I've got at the moment. I do like good food, and comfort. I'd rather spend 500€ on a sweet steam shower I can meditate in, than a damn watch.
People worry too much about what others think. We live in a world where we take too much for granted. Live for yourself, do what you like and tell people who thinks you're weird to f**k off :D
Sweden is alot like the US I guess. People are ignorant, materialistc and egoistic. We even got a saying for our lifestyle. "Svenson; Volvo, Villa, Dog" No thanks.
The pursuit of happiness is backwards. You have to be happy first, and THEN pursue things you enjoy. If your mindset is "when I achieve X, I will be happy" then you're just screwed. :p
It's funny. If there were "tips and tricks" to finding happiness... damn near everyone would be happy! Unfortunately, there really aren't. Every single person has to go their own way to find happiness. People makes millions selling books claiming to have the answers... when they don't. They might have some good ideas... but in the end it's all superficial.
The best advice I can give you on "The pursuit of Happiness" is simply to be patient, and open-minded... and realize nobody can tell you how to be happy. You have to figure it out on your own.
Warning! Opinions below!
[mini-rant]I personally find "the pursuit of happiness" (life long happiness) to be silly, and somewhat useless. I don't expect to, or want to be happy for the rest of my life. I want life experiences... the good, the bad, and the ugly. I want to be able to be on my deathbed, look back on life, and be content and proud of my life. Surely my life will be full of happiness, sadness, anger, hate... but it will all be experiences. I believe in living a "full" or "whole" life. Now that I think about it, my "pursuit of happiness" has nothing to do with being happy now... and everything to do with dying content. If I look back on my life and see all happy memories, I'll feel it was a waste... because happiness is only a very minor fraction of what life has to offer. There are so many learning experiences that can only be had... but only if you're open to them. If you want to ignore all the problems in the world, and your own life... if you want to be happy all the time... then you're cutting yourself off from soo much. I want to lose loved ones, I want to get angry, I want to cry, I want to hurt. Because in the end (or near the end) I'll be able to look back on it all and learn from it.[/mini-rant]