Happiness is not a permanent state of being from "summary" of Everything Is F*cked by Mark Manson
The idea that happiness is not a permanent state of being is a tough pill to swallow. We all want to believe that we can achieve everlasting bliss, that we can reach a point where we are forever content and satisfied. But the truth is, happiness is fleeting. It comes and goes like the tide, sometimes washing over us in waves of joy, only to recede again, leaving us feeling empty and longing for more. This impermanence of happiness is a natural part of the human experience. Our emotions are constantly in flux, influenced by a myriad of external factors beyond our control. We may experience moments of intense happiness, but these moments are often short-lived, giving way to feelings of sadness, frustration, or boredom. The pursuit of happiness, then, becomes a Sisyphean task. We chase after this elusive state of being, only to find that it slips through our fingers like sand. We may think that if we achieve a certain goal, acquire a certain possession, or find a certain relationship, we will finally be happy. But the reality is that even when we reach these milestones, our happiness is still temporary. This does not mean that we should give up on the pursuit of happiness altogether. It simply means that we should adjust our expectations and understand that happiness is not a destination, but a journey. We must learn to appreciate the moments of joy when they come, knowing that they will not last forever. We must also learn to weather the storms of sadness or despair, understanding that they too shall pass.- The key to finding happiness lies in acceptance. Acceptance of the impermanence of our emotions, acceptance of the ups and downs of life, and acceptance of our own humanity. By letting go of our attachment to the idea of permanent happiness, we can find peace in the knowledge that it is okay to not be okay, and that true contentment comes from within, regardless of our external circumstances.
