As we entered the first aisle of booths I sensed I was in the wrong place.  Booths upon booths filled with signs and products touting the benefits of this jewel or that tonic for bringing greater health and, by association, happiness.  I found myself at a well-being fair on the casual invitation of my new friend, Clarice.  I was curious about what a salon de bien-être was, I  had some free time and so I’d accepted. These products – magnetic bracelets, crystals, incense, beauty treatments- were appealing or intriguing or entertaining or potentially effective (if the buyer believed in the “science” behind the product).  But I couldn’t help feeling that the people who were spending their Sunday going from one booth to another were searching for something that would make them happy.  Something they believed they were lacking.

Clarice seemed to be searching for something too.  We spent half of the day at this fair looking for it. Ten minutes in I had realized that I didn’t need any of the products that were being hawked to feel any happier. Before I moved to France I’d jettisoned just about all my worldly possessions – things I’d thought I needed (and some of which I’d bought thinking they would bring me happiness).  Getting rid of that excess stuff actually felt good, helped free my spirit, fostered the happiness I feel every day now. Attending this fair showed me how fortunate I am to have found what so many others are still looking for – happiness, joy, and a sense of inner peace.

In a few days there will be a viewing of a movie entitled “C’est quoi le bonheur pour vous ? Translated it means “What is Happiness for you?” I wasn’t really that interested in going initially.  A documentary where people answer this question hadn’t seemed worthwhile to me, until my epiphany at the well-being fair. Now I’m interested to hear how others define it.  I’m interested in hearing the discussion that ensues.  This got me thinking too: how would I define happiness?

Happiness for me is being able to be authentically and unapologetically me, and knowing I will be all right. It is that place where the fear of looking stupid, of not fitting in, or of failing fall away and I am able to be me without shame, blame or regret.  Happiness is rediscovering your true self and loving that self unconditionally.  It is sharing this authentic self with the world fearlessly so others can fall in love with you and love you unconditionally also.  Happiness is connecting with others so that they, too, can be their own unique authentic selves.  This is what happiness means to me.

What does happiness mean for you?

About the author:  Patricia Brooks is a speaker, life purpose coach, and author of Growing Bold: How to Overcome Fear, Build Confidence, and Love the Life you Live. She is currently living in France and experiencing her dream.

Photo Credits: Garrett Albright and Tony Ross