Happiness is..........

Leannexxx yes those moments are precious with your kids until they become teens and run from the room, slamming the door and screaming 'I hate you!' But then it all turns around again later when they mature and give you a big hug and say they love you.

Lynibis I've already got that with my 4 year old

martinlufc5637 yes, I agree and am very fortunate in that area. I just feel for those who are born to waste of space parents who drag their kids up and teach them nothing good.

ThatsAGreatDeal I am sad to hear that. Life is often a mix of joy and sadness and we all suffer both on life's journey. I am more settled in my autumn years and have carved out a life that suits me. However, I have times of utter loneliness and sadness because I never found a life partner, a soul mate. I make sure I keep busy as I have learned life does not come knocking, you have to go searching. I go to an over 65 club weekly and also do history talks for them, I write theatre reviews for a local website so get free tickets and interval drinks and my greatest happiness are my sons, their wives and my grandchildren. I don't want to assume you don't try to find your happy place but I am sure you do or could. Even health and financial stability is a reason to be happy.

Lynibis thanks for your kind words and for sharing so much of your life which sounds amazing with what you do. Genuinely good for you.

The only thing I can think of that I sometimes do which takes my mind off things temporarily is to take bread to the park and feed the birds. It doesn't really bring me happiness but I'd like to think that it is a nice attempt to lessen the crushing sadness that my life has become.

ThatsAGreatDeal I will not push on this subject and again I do not assume to know your age. You could try searching online for a branch of Age Concern or Age UK as they have branches where you can go to take a class, learn a new skill, have coffee etc in the cafe or just sit and chat. If you are too young for that they have plenty of opportunities for volunteering and that can bring satisfaction too.

Lynibis that's really sweet of you to suggest those ideas. I'm 53 so not old enough for Age Concern etc.

I don't have any interest in the social aspect of life but do have an overall goal and objective to commit my life to volunteer work in the future but only when the immediate problems of life are dealt with and I'm feeling better, which I'm beginning to understand may take longer than expected, but one positive thing is that I've now realised that I'm in the middle of a breakdown and so I'm going to be looking at getting some proper help because the various medications I'm on are making no difference to the pain and trauma I'm suffering from. Doing nothing because what I have to do is too painful to do is achieving nothing and that has to change. Thank you.

ThatsAGreatDeal All my best wishes to you. Just an afterthought I was wrong to say over 65 as our branch is open to all with keep fit sessions, mum and baby and just a general meeting point.

Lynibis Thank you. Mum and baby no interest in as I'm ok with being single and not having a female partner or children and family but the keep fit notion appeals as I think that better physical health can help improve mental health. You're very kind, thank you.

ThatsAGreatDeal it’s wonderful for those with happiness but being fit and healthy means so much. It’s not until you lose your ability to be independent that you realise all those years you took it for granted.

Pjran That is so very true. All those years

telmel it always amazes me that so few of those 'in charge' think nothing of pushing whole countries into war. They are never usually the ones who fight and die but happy to make money during and after. They can can see no further than the end of their noses.

Jinky67 I must be bouncing with joy lol. Yes it is good but in my case you can have too much of a good thing.

Jinky67 I'd say that's mine as well at time tbh, at home on my own in my own head space

Jinky67 not having to deal with or be around people is just bliss imo

MrsCraig I can certainly identify with that, nothing sweeter than your children and grandchildren showing their love and joy at seeing you.

janphoenix51 cooking is a brilliant way to spend time together. I like to think I taught my lot the basics (and especially cupcakes) when they were young

Lynibis ...Daughter is 27 in September & an excellent cook,she's currently at home looking after our 2 cats while her Da & are on the last night of our very first cruise..

Daughter called us earlier to let us know she's doing us a special " Welcome home meal" Steak for her & Da & Salmon for me!

TiaTia I agree, I miss those times as all mine are more or less adult now, my spare room is a waste of space now although handy for storage lol.

Lynibis Aww bless, Great Grandchildren to look forward to now then! I looked after my Granddaughter until she started school, she's 5 now and we have a very close relationship, I still help with school runs. I also have a Grandson who's 1 and help look after him as much as i'm needed. They keep me smiling and give the most amazing cuddles and gorgeous memories, sleepovers are magical.