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?

[Just Sara]

What a wonderful thing to say SB...thankyou.

Knowing we make a difference and matter can't be compared.

Sara

[Terry_lost]

hi Abyss

This is a great question, birth of daughters and 2 years ago camping on the Gibb River Road looking at the stars at night when i still had a complete family

[The_Abyss]

“Happiness is not about what the world gives you - happiness is what you think about what the world gives you"

i came across this quote today.... what do others think?

[Doolhof]

Good Friday was a very happy time for me watching my nieces looking for Easter eggs.

[quirkywords]

TA

thanks for a thought provoking thread.

to answer when I was I last truly happy.

To be honest I am not sure I ever have been. When I was manic I thought I was happy but I was deluded. Now I settle not to be unhappy. Does that make sense? I think the search to be happy all time can lead to disappointment.

re the quote- the quote is about one's attitude , I think is a mixture of what you give and what you think you are given.

quirkywords

[MissBenthos]

One of my happiest moments was receiving a t-shirt for a club I joined, the sense of belonging was wonderful, I felt so light and free. I'm not sure if I would have had the same reaction had this event occurred while I was suffering from depression though.

[Doolhof]

Hi Miss Benthos,

Feeling like you are part of a team, a group, or a club can certainly bring happiness and a sense of belonging.

Sometimes we just need to be open to allow those feelings to penetrate.

Even when depressed I have experienced moments of happiness in these situations.

[The_Abyss]

The moments of happiness can be all so fleeting. The wind of sorrow and self pity has again blown through, leaving a large hole in its wake. When will I again be truly happy?

[Just Sara]

I have a happy place/time!

In the beginning it was hard, but I pushed myself to block out all that sadness to be 'there'; a calm quiet spot from my teens where life seemed perfect in the moment.

Sitting on the edge of a dam with a cool breeze on my face and not a soul around. I had the soundscape of nature which was all but silent. Sigh...

So TA and others...find your happy place and go there whenever you want.

Warm thoughts...

Sara x

[The_Abyss]

It has been almost a month since I posted here (although I have contributed to Croix's thread on "store your happy memories here" a few times), and I have finally had some fleeting glimpses of happiness. I still believe you need to be happy to remember happy, and I have had the privilege of being in that position on occasions of late.

My most recent experience was last night. I perform with a drama group - a really welcoming bunch of people with whom I get to put on a pretend persona when things are going badly. The old adage of "fake it till you make it" holds true though. I have faked being happy for months, but after last night's performance I went to dinner with my family who had been in to watch the play earlier. We laughed, I had a good time, and for a brief few hours I was able to feel "normal". I can honestly say, I was truly happy. It didn't last long, but it felt glorious for just a little while.