“Pleasure Is An Event; Happiness Is A Process.” – Dr. Laura Schlessinger
In her book, How Could you Do That?!, radio host and author Dr. Laura Schlessinger talks about character, conscience and courage in human beings. One of the topics she touches upon is the difference between pleasure and happiness. Pleasure is a an event and happiness is a process. Pleasure is self-involved and happiness is outer-and-other involved. Pleasure is material and happiness is spiritual. When you can look at pleasure and happiness in this way, you will be able to acknowledge whether or not you’re truly happy.
Pleasure is a temporary satisfaction. Listening to a mood lifting song, eating a delicious meal, having a great date… these are all temporary things that bring us instant gratification. Happiness requires a bit more effort and a bit more time. Happiness is when we’re in a great mood without having to listen to that song. It’s the self satisfaction we feel after we’ve struggled to make a great meal and it’s when we can have a million great and not so great dates and still feel grateful. Six months ago, I wasn’t happy. I thought I was, but I was confusing temporary feelings of pleasure from other things and other people with being happy with myself. Happiness is the journey of life. It’s not the destination. A destination is an ending. The journey is everything else. The destination happens instantly. The journey happens for years. Choosing happiness over pleasure is always going to lead you to a better way of life. If you’re patient and do your best, it’s only a matter of time that happiness will make its way to you. It’s worth the wait if what you’re waiting for is a long term positive change. The quality of your life will be the best it’s ever been and you’ll be able to really live while you’re alive. Glow & shine bright! xo