What does our real happiness rely on?

If we have everything to make us happy, and obviously this means different things to different people. In my first blog i illustrated some things that might make us happy,and give one a sense of fulfilment and purpose. I also illustrated some reasons why we might feel unhappy and unfulfilled, even perhaps lonely and depressed. I think the point is that all the people,places and things that our happiness relies upon can at any point be taken away, or radically altered. It happens ever day, when tragedy strikes in the form of a bereavement, or being told that someone you love dearly has a life threatening illness, perhaps it is you who have this illness. Your partner wants to leave, or you want to end your marriage, or relationship. Maybe you have fallen in love with someone who fulfils a part of you that you thought had die. But you have a couple of children, and weigh up all the pros and cons of this complex situation. Life it seems is full of decisions and choices, nothing it seems is black and white, if it was then how much easier every choice we make would be. If only true happiness was to be found in an attitude of mind, rather than us being a hostage to whatever fate and circumstance seems to throw our way. This seems to be the conundrum of life I feel, how do we know when we are right?

Are we really happy?

Seems like a simple question really doesn't it..Are you really happy? If you are unhappy, then perhaps the reasons for this are simple for you to answer. Maybe a different partner would do it, or perhaps the same partner , but one that is more loving, and caring, you know all that you would most like in another. Or if you haven't got a special someone, or are divorced, or seperated, and you would like to meet someone to share your life with. Most of us feel that we have much to offer, if only we could find someone to share it all with. Maybe lots , or just enough money would make us happy. The list is exhaustive, but you get the general idea. Ok what if we feel that we are completely happy, then what does our happiness depend upon? The love of a good family, a succesful and fulfilling job perhaps. Enjoying good health, some close friends, maybe you are a person who likes to travel wide and far. Your passport is jam full of stamps from dozens of exotic holiday destinations. You have a nice house, a couple of cars, and the kids are at college. Or you live a more modest lifestyle, but never the less, pay your bills,and have the work ethic, so you feel proud of paying your way, and being self reliant. You do your job as a way of feeding the family. If you lost all or part of this, would you still be happy?