Distinguishing Happiness from Comfort + Finding Your Happy Mix

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: AMANDA ELLE

I’m always in a constant pursuit to maximize every aspect of my life, so today’s topic is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. And the more I think about it, the more the grey area grows. Distinguishing happiness from comfort is something you can relate to all aspects of your life. Contrary to my google search which mostly resulted in information based on relationships. Whether it’s your wardrobe, relationship, job or a mix, are you happy or simply comfortable? And how do you distinguish the two?

I’m a bit vocal when I don’t like something (it’s a nice way to say I’m a complainer). Yet recently, I’ve found myself quite quiet, which is what’s brought me to this post. This is something I’m personally trying to navigate, and something you should think about too. Even if you’re content with your life, I personally strive for more in my life, my friend’s lives and your lives too. I’m not a psychologist or any kind of head doctor, but I’ve done some research and today I’m sharing!

Let’s start with the basics. How are happiness and comfort defined?

hap·py – feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.

What I’ve come to understand about myself is that because I’m such a Libra, I personally like to live somewhere in the 50/50 range. Being comfortable makes me happy, but I also thrive on moments of happiness. I like to work my butt off constantly, so I can appreciate downtime. I like routine, but I also enjoy changes. Coming home, working a bit on my laptop and watching TV although it’s my comfortable routine, it adds to my happiness. I can truly enjoy new adventures (or even events after work) and change when I feel like half of my life is in order or comfortable. Even though my routine is not always the same, I do enjoy times where my life feels routine, but too much routine drives me crazy.

So that’s me, now for you.

How you can distinguish happiness from comfort, and finding your happy mix:

1. Know what makes you happy. I did a post on daydreaming some time ago, but knowing where your mind goes when it wanders is a very good way to figure out what makes you happy. Think about when you feel the most alive.
2. What’s your ratio? Does being comfortable in your life drive you crazy or are you somewhere in the middle like me? Routinely doing things I love (like going out east every weekend in the Summer) is both comfortable and happy for me.
3. Is it comfort or are you just afraid of change? Does your work or relationship bring you comfort or are you just afraid of change? Being comfortable isn’t a bad thing, but is it really comfort? Does your life feel stressful? Do you feel like you have no way out? Then, that’s not comfort, it’s the latter. Don’t be afraid of change.

Now that you have an idea of your comfort and happiness levels, do you take action or are you truly happy with your mix? One way to feel happier could be to take on new projects at work if your job has felt stagnant. Or maybe you want to finally, clean out your room or update your living room decor. And if it’s your relationship that’s in question, make sure you have a support system in place.

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