Good Happiness Quotes To Make You Feel Radiant, Cheerful & Hopeful
Happiness is an emotion that many people strive to feel. Everyone has their definition of what happiness means, and therefore different modes exist for seeking it out. For some, happiness may be smiling and feeling carefree. For others, it could be feeling content or having a fulfilling career. Happiness quotes can be a way to connect with what makes you happy deep down.
This article features quotes about happiness, ranging from reflections about what it means to experience true happiness in life to the best happy quotes about love. We hope you find some of these happiness quotes relatable and uplifting.
“You can’t be happy unless you’re unhappy sometimes.”
―Lauren Oliver, Delirium
This quote may sound like a paradox, but there could be some truth to it. If you are always happy, it may feel easy to take it for granted and not fully appreciate it. However, experiencing hardship often leads to growth and a greater appreciation for happiness when it comes around. It can be like finding water in a desert or going to sleep after pulling an all-nighter.
“Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.”
―Ernest Hemingway, The Garden of Eden
They say that ignorance is bliss. The idea is that the wiser you are, the more pessimistic you may be since you are more equipped to see the ills of the world. However, many factors besides intelligence can play into someone’s degree of happiness. These include genetics, healthcare, gender, income, and mental health.
“Happiness is a warm puppy.”
―Charles M. Schulz
One thing that can increase happiness for many people is a pet. It may be hard not to feel happy when a puppy licks you or your cat curls up next to you and starts purring. Your pets often care for you, no matter how sad you’re feeling, and they can be there to cheer you up and brighten your day.
“Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.”
--Unknown
This quote has been attributed to various people, most famously Dr. Seuss. It’s another example of trying to look on the bright side despite our circumstances.
For example, maybe you’re going on a vacation; you may feel a bit upset once the vacation is over and you go back to your routine. However, you may also be happy that you got to have the experience that you did. Take some time to look over photos of your experience and relive the fun times. You could think of it as a bittersweet moment.
“No medicine cures what happiness cannot.”
This quote from Gabrial Garcia Márquez refers to happiness as a powerful force that may be able to heal emotional and mental ailments that medicine cannot. It suggests that while medicine can cure physical illnesses, it cannot always cure emotional pain or provide long-lasting happiness.
True happiness is a state of mind, and it is something that can only be achieved by finding contentment in oneself and one's surroundings. It highlights the importance of prioritizing one's mental health and finding happiness within oneself rather than relying on external factors to bring joy and contentment.
“The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer someone else up.”
―Mark Twain
For many people, making others happy may lift their mood in return. If you’re unhappy, try doing something for a friend, family, or partner. You might find your spirits rising as a result.
“If you want to be happy, do not dwell on the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.”
―Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Roy Bennett’s quote can be similar to the principles of mindfulness. Many of us think about the past and tend to hyper-focus on it. We may become upset by our past mistakes and wish we could turn back time and change things. We also might worry about the future.
The things we imagine are often much worse than the coming reality. Focusing on the here and now and taking time to enjoy the present may make you happier. While it may be normal to think about the past on occasion so you can learn from your mistakes and plan for the future, dwelling on the past could be problematic.
Specifically, focusing on the past could keep you from looking at what’s in front of you and cause you to miss significant experiences in the moment.
“I think and think and think; I’ve thought myself out of happiness one million times but never once into it.”
― Jonathan Safran Foer
Overthinking things may lead to unhappiness. You might worry over whether people like you or if someone is mad at you because they’re taking too long to respond to a text, for example. However, we often overthink things that are not entirely realistic or pertinent to the here and now.
For instance, worrying about being a bad parent before you even have kids, or maybe even knowing whether you want to have kids, may result in unnecessary stress, and distract you from the happiness you could be experiencing at the moment.
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim, and the end of human existence.”
―Aristotle
Many people wonder what the goal of humanity is at some point or another. Many of us ultimately decide that the goal is to be happy. Many of us want a comfortable life where we don’t have to worry about just surviving.
Of course, others struggle with this endeavor. Since everyone has a different definition of happiness, true happiness can be elusive. It may be helpful to remember that only you can define happiness or success for yourself.
“Stop comparing yourself to other people; just choose to be happy and live your own life.”
―Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Wanting what other people has been a classic struggle of humanity. While envy can be a motivator to go out and accomplish something, it can also hold you back if you fixate on what others have. Doing so could cause you to forget all the good in your life.
“Laughter is poison to fear.”
―George R.R. Martin, A Game of Ice and Fire
For ages, humans have used humor to cope with their fears and struggles. Laughter is the ultimate coping mechanism for many, and studies show that it can reduce stress. Smiling at your thoughts and emotions instead of ignoring them may make them feel less powerful. Finding the light in the dark is often an invaluable happiness tool for many.
“Love is too precious to be ashamed of.”
―Laurell K. Hamilton, A Stroke of Midnight
Shame is often a common reason people are unhappy with themselves. Try not to concern yourself with what society thinks of your relationships.
“Expectations make people miserable, so whatever yours are, lower them. You’ll be happier.”
―Simone Elkeles, How to Ruin Your Boyfriend’s Reputation
Setting your expectations high and idealizing things may be one of the reasons why some people are unhappy. If you overhype a movie, for example, and it doesn’t end up living up to the hype, you might feel disappointed. On the other hand, if you go into the movie with more moderate expectations, you might end up happier with the experience. A positive surprise will always be more enjoyable than a negative surprise. Of course, there are some things in life that you may have high expectations for, such as boundaries in personal relationships.
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
--Mahatma Gandhi
This quote is similar to the Marcus Aurelius quote “Happiness depends upon the quality of your thoughts: Therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.” In these happy quotes these icons highlight how important it is to think what you say, to be true to your own ideals and values.
Increasing happiness through therapy
If you’re struggling to increase moments of happiness or think you might be experiencing a mental health condition and happiness quotes aren't working, consider attending counseling. Counseling has many benefits, and you can choose a modality that works best for your lifestyle. For example, you might benefit from online therapy if you’re often busy or have a schedule outside of regular business hours.
Researchers have investigated the mental health benefits of internet-based counseling. Studies have shown that online therapy is effective in helping individuals experiencing low moods. Specifically, this type of remote treatment can result in relief from depressive symptoms in some people.
Takeaway
What are real happiness quotes?
There are many quotes about happiness out there that give insight on how to brighten your day, including these:
- “True happiness... is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” –Helen Keller
- "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." –Dalai Lama
- “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” –John Lennon
- “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." —Mahatma Gandhi
- "One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats." —Iris Murdoch
Happiness is a process, not a destination. Reading quotes about happiness can remind you to focus on what’s important to you.
What are 5 positive quotes?
Here are five positive and inspirational quotes:
- "Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you." — Mary Lou Retton
- "To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try." — Rosa Parks
- "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." — C.S. Lewis
- "Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong." — Ella Fitzgerald
- “Hard things will happen to us. We will recover. We will learn from it. We will grow more resilient because of it." — Taylor Swift
What are 10 positive quotes?
Here are 10 positive quotes that can make you smile and improve your day:
- "Everything is a gift of the universe--even joy, anger, jealousy, frustration, or separateness. Everything is perfect either for our growth or our enjoyment." –Ken Keyes Jr.
- “Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” –Roy T. Bennett
- “A dead end is just a good place to turn around.” –Naomi Judd
- “Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” –Guillaume Apollinaire
- “Being happy isn't having everything in your life be perfect. Maybe it's about stringing together all the little things.” –Ann Brashares
- “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” –John Lennon
- "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today." –James Dean
- "The art of living lies less in eliminating our troubles than growing with them." –Bernard M. Baruch
- "In our lives, change is unavoidable, loss is unavoidable. In the adaptability and ease with which we experience change, lies our happiness and freedom." –Buddha
- "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." –Dalai Lama
What is the best caption for happiness?
Some of the most popular captions people use for happiness include:
- Do more of what makes you happy.
- It’s the little things in life.
- Life is made of happy moments like this.
- Happiness is not out there, it’s in you.
- Do more of what makes you happy.
- Take time to make your soul happy.
- Surround yourself with things and people that make you smile
What is a happy life quote?
Here’s a quote about how to live a happy life by Martin Luther King Jr., “Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.”
What are 5 good quotes?
Here are five famous quotes:
- “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” –Nelson Mandela
- “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” –Mahatma Gandhi
- “If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough.” –Oprah Winfrey
- “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” –Martin Luther King Jr.
- “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” –Oscar Wilde
What is a beautiful quote about happiness?
Here are some quotes about happiness that you may find inspiring:
- “If you want to be happy, be.” – Leo Tolstoy
- “Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.” – Lisa Olivera
- “Your body hears everything your mind says.” – Naomi Judd
- “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- “Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is a positive mindset quote?
Here are some positive mindset quotes:
- "Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” –Willie Nelson
- “Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.” –Dalai Lama
- "Great things happen to those who don't stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful." –Roy T. Bennett
- “The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.” –Nelson Mandela
What is a good quote for a happy mood?
A good quote that can help you have a happier day is this one: “Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” –Dalai Lama
What is happiness 5 lines?
In addition to reading quotes about happiness, it can be helpful to reflect on what happiness means to you. To do this exercise, write five lines on what happiness means to you, starting each line with, “Happiness is ___.”
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