I’m sure that major life circumstances (external events) greatly affect happiness levels—divorce, death of a loved one, major illness, losing one’s job or home. People adapt but it could take years to return to previous levels of happiness, if ever (Lucas).
I got to this blog because I thought that by delving into research on happiness, I would find a way back to happiness; it’s been five years since I lost it. What I’ve learned is that the authentic happiness I felt while married and raising a family—now replaced by singledom and an empty nest—will take great effort to achieve through activities that offer temporary relief and only a semblance of the real thing. Including exercising. While I was happy, I didn’t need to question it, I simply felt it. I wonder why the loss of happiness feels like a major internal organ is gone, leaving a huge empty space inside? I suppose we need to remember that grief is also part of life, not only happiness.
What I’ve learned is that the authentic happiness I felt while married and raising a family—now replaced by singledom and an empty nest—will take great effort to achieve through activities that offer temporary relief and only a semblance of the real thing.
I wonder why the loss of happiness feels like a major internal organ is gone, leaving a huge empty space inside?
This sounds like serious depression to me, not just reduced happiness; you might consider method 1 first. Sympathies and best wishes.
I’m sure that major life circumstances (external events) greatly affect happiness levels—divorce, death of a loved one, major illness, losing one’s job or home. People adapt but it could take years to return to previous levels of happiness, if ever (Lucas).
I got to this blog because I thought that by delving into research on happiness, I would find a way back to happiness; it’s been five years since I lost it. What I’ve learned is that the authentic happiness I felt while married and raising a family—now replaced by singledom and an empty nest—will take great effort to achieve through activities that offer temporary relief and only a semblance of the real thing. Including exercising. While I was happy, I didn’t need to question it, I simply felt it. I wonder why the loss of happiness feels like a major internal organ is gone, leaving a huge empty space inside? I suppose we need to remember that grief is also part of life, not only happiness.
Thanks for this blog, it’s been helpful.
This sounds like serious depression to me, not just reduced happiness; you might consider method 1 first. Sympathies and best wishes.