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?

[JayV]

Hi The Abyss...honestly l can't remember the last time l was 'truly happy'. There have been moments of happiness, the birth of of my grandchildren etc but happy? Been a long time..too long 😕

[JayV]

That is so sad to hear. I hope that one day you will find joy and happiness. xx jay

[Doolhof]

Yesterday I had many Happy Moments while helping out at the Country Fire Station where I volunteer. Due to my back issues, I work in the radio room.

I was happy to be able to assist with 2 other people. We had lots of laughs and jokes inbetween the serious stuff.

I was happy to be given some lunch, a delicious burger.

The Mum's of one of our female fire fighters also came to the station to ask if we needed food, it made me very happy to think she had thought of us all.

I was happy when the trucks returned and learnt all the crews involved were injury free.

I was happy to be part of a team, to be useful, appreciated and able to do something to help. For a while I battled not being able to go out on the trucks and was going to quit. I am happy that I didn't do that.

Today I am happy the fire did not flare up again in the wind we've had.

Dools

[The_Abyss]

That was lovely Doolhof.

Trying to find your place when your role with the Firies changed, must have been really difficult for you. I'm so happy for you that it was such a positive experience today.

And Jay - welcome - I hope you'll find the courage to share some of your story too. If not, then I hope you get as much benefit from these forums that I have. It took a lot of encouragement from others to even find a glimmer of happiness. If you get a chance, head over to Croix's post:

Forums/ Staying well/ Store Your Happy Memories Here:

It's worth the journey.

[Just Sara]

Hey Abyss and others reading/posting;

I haven't seen the word 'love' within this thread. A while back one was created (by Blondguy) to discuss this abstract feeling/emotion. It seems people are struggling with 'happy' as well.

Have I been in love? Yep! Was I truly happy? For a few moments at a time, sure. I think people expect this type of happiness to be a state of mind that lasts for a long time. But as with everything it's relative to the moment.

Once anxiety hit, happiness took on a whole other meaning for me. For instance, each time I've made a breakthrough, the calm and joy of that moment couldn't be compared. Yet yrs ago an insight would've felt very different.

The joy and excitement of childhood felt all encompassing, though that was lost among the trials of adolescence. Even so, I do remember (at 😎 dancing around my yard at dawn in my pale blue nightie with abandon feeling like nothing existed in time and space except true contentment; it always brings a smile to my face.

Don't you feel frustrated that remembering the pain, is easier than the wonderful moments? I think we need to dig deeper with intent.

Lovely thread...

Sara

[Wanderlustress]

Love and happiness. That's a good one. I never thought of that.

I don't trust love, and I don't trust happiness. Despite wanting it so very much. I guess I'm afraid of being hurt and I have been hurt many times.

I don't know, but I don't think I've ever been in love.

[Doolhof]

Hi Wanderlustress and All,

The sad thing for me about having been hurt in the past is to now question possible opportunities of happiness and love.

I realise both of these can come in many different forms. People are not always able to give me what I want or need, so I need to change my attitude, so I can appreciate what people do give me.

I need my husband to show me love in one way but he does it in another. He cooks me dinner every night. I can appreciate that and be happy every evening because he is showing me love in that manner. It may be what I am looking for, but I can be thankful and happy for what I do have.

Happiness can be found in the small things of life as well as the grand things.

Dools

[Doolhof]

Today I was truly happy when the cat came back!

[SubduedBlues]

Good question, thanks for asking.

I can honestly say that I was truly happy on the days immediately following something amazing happening in my life; like

• each time one of my children were born
• the day my son was revived after drowning
• when I survived 12 consecutive pulmonary emboli
• when my sister, whom has not spoken to me for over a decade, made a special trip to come see me, just to tell me she loves me.

I am sure there are more truly happy times, but those are the big ones that come to mind.

SB​

[SubduedBlues]

And the day that Just Sara made comment regarding a thread of mine (dealing with a friends suicide attempt) and how it really really helped her come to terms with her past.

Honestly, I think that day tops them all.

just thinking about that day makes me happy all over again