--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What if happiness is in fact more about…" description: "\"What if happiness is in fact more about remembering who we are, rather than attempting to change anything or anyone at all?\" — Lee L Jampolsky" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/095/lee-l-jampolsky-16123_attempting_what-if-happiness-is-in-fact-more-about_749521.jpg" --- # What if happiness is in fact more about remembering who we… ![“What if happiness is in fact more about remembering who we are, rather than attempting to change anything or anyone at all?” quote by Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/095/lee-l-jampolsky-16123_attempting_what-if-happiness-is-in-fact-more-about_749521.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/095/lee-l-jampolsky-16123_attempting_what-if-happiness-is-in-fact-more-about_749521.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/095/lee-l-jampolsky-16123_attempting_what-if-happiness-is-in-fact-more-about_749521.jpg) > “What if happiness is in fact more about remembering who we are, rather than attempting to change anything or anyone at all?” [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Happiness stems from recalling our true self rather than trying to alter ourselves or others. **In simple terms:** True happiness is remembering who we are. Key Takeaway Focus on self‑knowledge, not change. Themes self‑discovery inner peace identity Mood reflective calm Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - therapy sessions - meditation retreats - personal growth workshops Key Concepts authenticity mindfulness self‑acceptance Questions to Reflect On - What aspects of yourself have you forgotten? - How does acceptance affect your happiness? A Different Perspective Changing external circumstances may still be necessary for well‑being. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Change](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/change/) [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Remembering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/remembering/) ## Related quotes > [The most reliable ways to make oneself miserable are attempting to change people and not attempting to change circumstances.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carolyn-hax/the-most-reliable-ways-to-make-oneself-miserable-are-attempting-to/) [Carolyn Hax](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carolyn-hax/) > [“Before attempting to change God's heart, first try changing your own.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/danny-l-deaub/before-attempting-to-change-god-s-heart-first-try-changing-your-own/) [Danny L Deaubé](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/danny-l-deaub/) > [It seems to me that people cannot be divided into two groups on the basis of whether or not they are attempting to change,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-coudert/it-seems-to-me-that-people-cannot-be-divided-into-two-groups-on-the/) [Jo Coudert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-coudert/) > [“What I “discovered” was that happiness is not something that happens. It is not the result of good fortune or random chance. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/what-i-discovered-was-that-happiness-is-not-something-that-happens-it/) [Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/) > [We have the tendency to run away from suffering and to look for happiness. But, in fact, if you have not suffered, you have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/we-have-the-tendency-to-run-away-from-suffering-and-to-look-for/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life is Happiness. Happiness is the fact that I can do something right now.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-donghae/life-is-happiness-happiness-is-the-fact-that-i-can-do-something-right/) [Lee Donghae](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-donghae/) > [“What is Happiness? Happiness is a myth. It doesn't exist. What we call happiness is merely a temporary sensation of excitement that we receive…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhijit-naskar/what-is-happiness-happiness-is-a-myth-it-doesn-t-exist-what-we-call/) [Abhijit Naskar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhijit-naskar/) > [I swear you’re a woman. (Devyn) I would respond to that, but I don’t want to distract you while you’re attempting to drive and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherrilyn-kenyon/i-swear-you-re-a-woman-devyn-i-would-respond-to-that-but-i-don-t-want/) [Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherrilyn-kenyon/) > [I'm a dreamer and continue to dream of what can and will be, "Expecting great things from God, Attempting great things for God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-carey/i-m-a-dreamer-and-continue-to-dream-of-what-can-and-will-be-expecting/) [William Carey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-carey/) > [Daphne," he said with controlled gentleness, "what is wrong?" She sat down opposite him and placed a hand on his cheek. "I'm so insensitive,"…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julia-quinn/daphne-he-said-with-controlled-gentleness-what-is-wrong-she-sat-down/) [Julia Quinn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julia-quinn/) > [Ewan McGregor stars as Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi, again doing a fine Alec Guinness impersonation but otherwise seeming lost and alone in the galaxy as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-zacharek/ewan-mcgregor-stars-as-jedi-obi-wan-kenobi-again-doing-a-fine-alec/) [Stephanie Zacharek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-zacharek/) > [To attempt to be religious without practicing a specific religion is as possible as attempting to speak without a specific language.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-santayana/to-attempt-to-be-religious-without-practicing-a-specific-religion-is/) [George Santayana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-santayana/) > [Lobbying' is the activity of attempting to influence legislation by privately influencing the legislators. It is the result and creation of a mixed economy-of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ayn-rand/lobbying-is-the-activity-of-attempting-to-influence-legislation-by/) [Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ayn-rand/) > [In terms of style, too, I think I've been working with a somewhat limited -- although intentionally limited -- set of tools. So I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kelly-link/in-terms-of-style-too-i-think-i-ve-been-working-with-a-somewhat/) [Kelly Link](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelly-link/) > [Each man is capable of doing one thing well. If he attempts several, he will fail to achieve distinction in any.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plato/each-man-is-capable-of-doing-one-thing-well-if-he-attempts-several-he/) [Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/) ## More by Lee L Jampolsky > [For years I was so busy building walls I did not see I was imprisoning myself behind them, and did not recognize this pattern…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/for-years-i-was-so-busy-building-walls-i-did-not-see-i-was/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [Don't confuse acceptance with being a naïve or weak person. Acceptance does not mean condoning negative behavior, staying in a bad situation, or not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/don-t-confuse-acceptance-with-being-a-na-ve-or-weak-person-acceptance/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [Most of us, if we are truly honest with ourselves, have an ever-evolving and ever-growing list of what we think we must change in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/most-of-us-if-we-are-truly-honest-with-ourselves-have-an-ever/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [When the mind no longer sees itself as a body, forever in bondage to the body, the mind can be free and at peace…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/when-the-mind-no-longer-sees-itself-as-a-body-forever-in-bondage-to/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [The paradox of acceptance: When our mind becomes less attached and dependent on things being a certain way our happiness in life dramatically improves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/the-paradox-of-acceptance-when-our-mind-becomes-less-attached-and/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [Many people live in a self-imposed prison and don't even know it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/many-people-live-in-a-self-imposed-prison-and-don-t-even-know-it/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [Becoming less focused on the past and future and not resisting the moment is how to overcome fear, physical pain, and all suffering.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/becoming-less-focused-on-the-past-and-future-and-not-resisting-the/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [How important is it really that you feel satisfied right now for 2 minutes, compared to getting yourself free from addiction forever?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/how-important-is-it-really-that-you-feel-satisfied-right-now-for-2/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [Happiness is more about removing the blocks to Love and remembering who you are than changing your situation or another person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/happiness-is-more-about-removing-the-blocks-to-love-and-remembering/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [The roots of addiction can be seen in our search for happiness in something outside of our self, be it drugs, relationships, material possessions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/the-roots-of-addiction-can-be-seen-in-our-search-for-happiness-in/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [No matter how sick your body is, extending Love will reduce your suffering and aid in healing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/no-matter-how-sick-your-body-is-extending-love-will-reduce-your/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [Within Inspirational Psychology, health doesn't refer to just the state of the body, but also the state of the mind, which affects the body.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/within-inspirational-psychology-health-doesn-t-refer-to-just-the/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [Essentially, what the most important questions we can ever ask ourselves are, "Who am I? Who are we all? What do we share, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/essentially-what-the-most-important-questions-we-can-ever-ask/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [Forgiveness is essential to health, growth, and healing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/forgiveness-is-essential-to-health-growth-and-healing/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) > [Inspirational Psychology brings peace and choice to life even in the most difficult of situations.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/inspirational-psychology-brings-peace-and-choice-to-life-even-in-the/) [Lee L Jampolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) [Explore all 41 Lee L Jampolsky quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/) ## More Attempting quotes > [Each man is capable of doing one thing well. If he attempts several, he will fail to achieve distinction in any.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plato/each-man-is-capable-of-doing-one-thing-well-if-he-attempts-several-he/) [Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/) > [In terms of style, too, I think I've been working with a somewhat limited -- although intentionally limited -- set of tools. So I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kelly-link/in-terms-of-style-too-i-think-i-ve-been-working-with-a-somewhat/) [Kelly Link](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelly-link/) > [Lobbying' is the activity of attempting to influence legislation by privately influencing the legislators. 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She sat down opposite him and placed a hand on his cheek. "I'm so insensitive,"…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julia-quinn/daphne-he-said-with-controlled-gentleness-what-is-wrong-she-sat-down/) [Julia Quinn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julia-quinn/) > [I'm a dreamer and continue to dream of what can and will be, "Expecting great things from God, Attempting great things for God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-carey/i-m-a-dreamer-and-continue-to-dream-of-what-can-and-will-be-expecting/) [William Carey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-carey/) > [I swear you’re a woman. (Devyn) I would respond to that, but I don’t want to distract you while you’re attempting to drive and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherrilyn-kenyon/i-swear-you-re-a-woman-devyn-i-would-respond-to-that-but-i-don-t-want/) [Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherrilyn-kenyon/) > [To approach a city, or even a city neighborhood, as if it were a larger architectural problem, capable of being given order by converting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-jacobs/to-approach-a-city-or-even-a-city-neighborhood-as-if-it-were-a-larger/) [Jane Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-jacobs/) > [I have told you of the Spaniard who always put on his spectacles when about to eat cherries, that they might look bigger and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-southey/i-have-told-you-of-the-spaniard-who-always-put-on-his-spectacles-when/) [Robert Southey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-southey/) > [The danger to which the success of revolutions is most exposed, is that of attempting them before the principles on which they proceed, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-paine/the-danger-to-which-the-success-of-revolutions-is-most-exposed-is/) [Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-paine/) > [Politics resemble religion; attempting to divest either of ceremony is the most certain mode of bringing either into contempt.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oliver-goldsmith/politics-resemble-religion-attempting-to-divest-either-of-ceremony-is/) [Oliver Goldsmith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oliver-goldsmith/) > [“failure is not an outcome, but involves a lack of trying—not stretching yourself far enough out of your comfort zone and attempting to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liz-wiseman/failure-is-not-an-outcome-but-involves-a-lack-of-trying-not/) [Liz Wiseman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liz-wiseman/) > [It is strange to reflect how much energy is thrown away in attempting to know the unknowable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-barber-lightfoot/it-is-strange-to-reflect-how-much-energy-is-thrown-away-in-attempting/) [Joseph Barber Lightfoot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-barber-lightfoot/) > [I am not attempting to preserve culture, or record actual events or stories. Instead I bow my head in gratitude to those storytellers who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patricia-briggs/i-am-not-attempting-to-preserve-culture-or-record-actual-events-or/) [Patricia Briggs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patricia-briggs/) Browse all 513 Attempting quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "What if happiness is in fact more about remembering who we are, rather than attempting to change anything or anyone at all?", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lee L Jampolsky" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/what-if-happiness-is-in-fact-more-about-remembering-who-we-are-rather/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Attempting" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/what-if-happiness-is-in-fact-more-about-remembering-who-we-are-rather/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/095/lee-l-jampolsky-16123_attempting_what-if-happiness-is-in-fact-more-about_749521.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/095/lee-l-jampolsky-16123_attempting_what-if-happiness-is-in-fact-more-about_749521.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/095/lee-l-jampolsky-16123_attempting_what-if-happiness-is-in-fact-more-about_749521.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“What if happiness is in fact more about remembering who we are, rather than attempting to change anything or…” — Lee L Jampolsky", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Lee L Jampolsky", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-l-jampolsky/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "What if happiness is in fact...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/what-if-happiness-is-in-fact-more-about-remembering-who-we-are-rather/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-l-jampolsky/what-if-happiness-is-in-fact-more-about-remembering-who-we-are-rather/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```