When you last truly happy?

[The_Abyss]

When were you last truly happy?

I came across this question while doing some self-research on a couple of therapy techniques, and it stumped me. When was I last truly happy? I'm not just talking about when did you last feel joy, do something fun, laughed, or had a smile on your face. When were you last TRULY happy? It may just be a manifestation of this crippling disease, but I truly don't remember. So, I thought I'd throw the question out to YOU - when were YOU last truly happy?

[topsy_]

Hello Abyss

A few weeks ago this would have been such a dismal question to try & answer.

I'd had 4 months of being stuck in the lounge chair unable to do anything. I really was beginning to despair of ever getting better again.

Then for no real reason the dark clouds began to lift. After 3 days I was holding my breath to see if I was still going to pick up or slip back yet again.

Now I'm up to nearly 5 weeks & I'm improving each day. I'm getting some chores done that are months overdue.

But to answer your question - the last time I was truly (very) happy was on Thursday, 2 days ago. I finally stopped playing brain numbing games on the computer & started a new little craft project. I'm crocheting a cat cave for our Fluffy.

This is a big deal as I truly believed I'd never be able to do stuff ever again. After 40+ years you would think I'd know it was the voice of depression lying to me. It is such a relief to be getting better again.

I really hope you get to feel happiness & fulfilment soon. Take care, Lyn.

[The_Abyss]

Congratulations Lyn - just reading your reply was enough to put a smile on my face as I imaged your craft project! What a momentous achievement after being in such a deep dark place. May the sun continue to shine for you!

[Guest_322]

Hi Abyss,

What a good question...

To be honest, I can't remember the last time that I was genuinely happy. Had a think about it and drew a blank.

Although I'm glad crafting brought yellownanna some overdue joy. I hope you continue to be on the mend.

Dottie x

[New_Moon]

Happiness comes in lots of different guises and sizes, no? For me Big Time Happiness (aka Joy) has been a stranger for years, but the happy little moments come and go often. I have to admit that even the tiniest hints of contentment (forget happiness!) have been a bit scarce on the ground round me of late... and that's what led me to join BB yesterday. I spent most of the day reading posts and responses and between the tearfalls I felt a definite spark of some sort of happiness and gratitude. Gratitude that I live in a world, and at a time where so many ordinary people devote so much of their time to helping strangers in distress. Such brave honesty and such lived wisdom freely shared has gotta make you feel glad to be a part of the human race.

Wellness and gratitude.

[The_Abyss]

Unexpectedly perplexing isn't it?

I wonder if one has to be happy to remember true happiness?

[Croix]

Dear Abyss~

I can give you my take, though its just a personal thought.

A normal person experiences both peaks of happiness and troughs of misery (abysses if you will pardon the expression), with a great deal in between. In fact normal 'personality types' - my layman's term - are determined by the ratio of 'in-between' to peaks, with some being happy types, and some more miserable.

For depression, anxiety and chronic pain these illnesses clip the peaks of happiness, and the degree of 'clipping' depends on the severity of the illness. As a by-product memories of happier times are muted or unavailable.

Interestingly I find in depression the clipping is there all the time -not many exceptions if any ,and memories of happiness are blocked, even when being reminded of them.

For anxiety peaks are possible, but are much less and finish earlier contaminated by unhelpful thoughts.

With chronic pain the overall limitations are less, although it does cloud one's life, breakthroughs of happiness are much more likely.

There - you have the Croix whole 2¢'s worth:)

[Al984]

Hi Abyss, I can honestly say I have never known any period of true happiness in my whole life.

[The_Abyss]

That is truly sad Al984, and in reality I am struggling to remember any as well. It took a lot of digging, but I remember feeling carefree (happy?????) when I was around 3 years old, riding a tricycle down the hill in my grandfather's street. Perhaps that is why I feel more at peace riding a bike down a hill now, the wind in my hair.... I truly hope you can conjure up a single image, if not of happiness, then at least of peace.

Thanks Croix - definitely worth more than 2 cents! Your response makes a great deal of sense! Can you conjure up an image, or are you in the same boat as Al984?

[Croix]

Dear Abyss~

I was most fortunate to have a happy carefree time with my grandparents in Wales (UK) whilst quite young. As a means of coping for myself, and for others to have a distraction I started a thread called:

Forums/ Staying well/ Store Your Happy Memories Here:

and jot down happy memories for me and others to go to in times of pressure. I'm immensely pleased to say others have put passages there too - have a look.

Croix

Croix