What is Happiness?

Hey up. Now then, everyone, welcome to Beginner English with James. This podcast will help you understand English step by step. I speak very slowly using simple words so you can understand. If this is too easy, listen to slow English with James for intermediates. After, try everyday English with James for advanced learners. All three podcasts tell the same story, so you can listen again at a harder level and learn more. Read along with the transcript. It helps you understand better. The transcript has questions to check your understanding. Important words, grammar and digital flashcards to help you remember the words. Get it on Patreon from €3 a month or on Gumroad for €1. All links are in the description. Now, let's begin. Today, we are talking about happiness. Happiness is something we all want, but it is not always easy to find. Some people spend their whole lives looking for it, but what does happiness really mean? Can we keep it forever, or does it come and go like waves in the sea? Let's start with a big question. Does money bring happiness? Many people believe money is the key to happiness. They think a bigger house, a better car or more money will make them happy. But often, when people get these things, they still feel something is missing. If money made people happy, then the richest people in the world would never feel sad. But that is not true. Of course, money is important. Without enough money for food, a home and health care, it is hard to feel happy. People often say money can't buy happiness, but the truth is we need enough money to live well. After that, does having more money really make us happier? Some people think experiences bring more happiness than things. Time is something we can never get back. Once time is gone, it's gone forever. Spending time with family and friends, travelling, learning new things and making memories can make us happy. Many of the happiest people I know are not very wealthy, but they enjoy life and have good friends. This brings another question. Do we need others to feel happy? Personal success, like getting a new job, getting stronger or learning something new, can make us happy. But spending time with others, sharing moments and feeling close to people also brings joy. Watching football with friends, eating with family or laughing together can make us feel good. Maybe real happiness is a mix of both. Many people think happiness is something they will have in the future. They say, I will be happy when I get that job, or when I have more money. But many people who reach their goals find they still feel the same. For me, happiness comes from a few things. Having a purpose, like teaching and helping others, gives me something to work for. Living by my values makes me feel good. Having enough money to live without stress also helps. Seeing family and friends brings joy, but as I get older, it's harder to meet often. Taking care of myself, like going to the gym and dressing well, also makes me happy. We all need a mix of things to feel happy. A purpose, enough money to live well, activities we enjoy, people we love, a calm life and hobbies we like. But let's not forget the little things, a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, a nice walk in nature, the smell of fresh bread from a bakery, a hot shower, a kind smile from a stranger, calling someone just to say hello. Enjoying life, because we cannot stay here forever. These small moments may seem simple, but they make life special. They help us feel happy, even on bad days. In the end, happiness is different for everyone. We all have to find what makes us happy. Wherever you are in life, I hope you find yours. Ta very much, everybody. Thank you for listening to Beginner English with James. Remember, find this episode's transcript on my Patreon or Gumroad. Read along as I speak. Learn the words that I use. Use the flashcards to practice the words. The links are in the description. Thank you very much to all my members and patrons who have already subscribed. That's all for today. See you in the next episode. Until then, ta-da! See thee, fare well, goodbye, and have a wonderful day.