Creating moments of happiness in life is not always easy, yet they are incredibly important. Small, seemingly unremarkable moments of enjoyment can make our good days better and—perhaps even more importantly—make our lowest days bearable. Daily habits, hobbies, and rituals ground us in the ongoing thread of our lives, wherever it may lead. Furthermore, they connect us to people with whom we can share our experiences.

Happiness can feel like a destination, a prize to win. But is happiness a goal to reach or a lifelong companion? I suggest answering this question, requires looking beyond simple definitions, , exploring its cultural meanings, and psychological underpinnings. As such, this blog unpacks happiness and suggests additional relationships we could have with this emotion.

I wish I could rip myself to shreds Mince her up and start again. I thought if I tucked all the bad bits away They wouldn’t burrow in my gums Bleeding rivers But they were barb wire-wrapped Cutting me to the bone On every choked out laugh