The question of happiness and the role of change

It seems that happiness has become the ultimate measure of a well lived life. However, defining happiness or finding anyone who would say that they are truly happy can be challenging. Van Deurzen suggests that "the unspoken yearning that brings people to therapy is often that of a desperate desire for happiness. "

Perhaps happiness is about movement and change, if I do not feel "happy" where I am now I may need to change something. The change can bring about an increased sense of purpose and meaning rather than a state of "happiness". Perhaps we need to rethink our near obsession with happiness and instead consider how we can feel fulfilled, challenged, purposeful and in charge of our lives.

For more on happiness and its place in our lives as people and as therapists see...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Psychotherapy-Quest-Happiness-Emmy-Deurzen/dp/0761944117