Happiness: Circumstances Vs State of Mind

Happiness : a state of well-being and contentment (Merriam-Webster)

"In the Nicomachean Ethics, written in 350 B.C.E., Aristotle stated that happiness is the only thing that humans desire for its own sake. He observed that men sought riches not for the sake of being rich, but to be happy. Those who sought fame desired it not to be famous, but because they believed fame would bring them happiness." (Wikipedia)

I have often observed myself in this context. What makes me happy and what all makes me sad.

If I go by the definition of the state of well-being and contentment and go by its literal meaning, then it is not the same. I have always been in a state of well-being, good health, comfortable life-style, but contentment. Never. Atleast not for an extended period of time. It is so easy for me to be sad. To want things out of life and want some more than to say enough.

I wish for things, and when I get them I am not as happy as I imagine I would be. Case in point my degree. I have wanted it forever, but when I finally had it in my hand, I was not ecstatic like I thought I would be. Why is it. Aristotle's thoughts about hapiness seems to partially apply. Yes, happiness for its one sake but after achieving things does that result in hapiness, no.

The only thing that has made me truly happy ever are children, water and woods.I am a very materialistic person still like all such things I want them and once I get them it loses its value.

So in all this am I unhappy because I still have so many things that I want and dont have or is it just me. My own real and perceived insecutrities. My own fear and mistrust. My inability to find joy in what I have and the ability to want everything I dont have adds to my worries.

I know anti-depressants can work wonders on me, but I am very prone to addiction. I dont want to start something I cannot handle.

Until I find happiness I think I should just keep myself busy with my pursuit of happiness....... Or like the PROMISES Message I found in my DOVE candy "Don't think about it so much"