Planning for happiness

Happiness is something that most of us strive for. It is based on having a set of thoughts and feelings that we find to be pleasurable. Our fairy tales are built upon achieving this state of being where, after overcoming many trials and tribulations, the main characters live "happily ever after." Yet we know that the state of happiness is not permanent. If it was, it would lose its value. One way to achieve happiness is to recall situations that elicited this state within you and consciously choose situations that bring it about. Is it a specific setting, being with someone you care about, spending time with your pet, or working on a favorite project? I experience happiness when I travel for pleasure. There are no work-related tasks I need to attend to and my days are free to do with as I please. I especially enjoy spending time in Maui. So I plan for frequent trips there. Is it a guarantee that my next visit there will bestow me with happiness? I think it is more about my state of mind as I near the time of boarding the plane for the trip. If I believe that whatever I am choosing to do will contribute to my feelings of happiness, most likely I will not be disappointed. Each of us has something that can elevate our level of happiness even if it is for a short period of time. What brings you happiness and what can you plan to do that will attract it to you today?