The more I think about it, it seems that long-term happiness is something many people spend their lives seeking OR they believe it’s something they used to have and lost.
That makes me wonder if we are truly ever happy? Or if it’s something that is always just out of reach (in the future or in the past).
Sure. Happiness is something you need to curate, and it’s a state of mind. Lowered expectations can help. I don’t need a huge house and expensive cars and lots of material possessions. That is just more to maintain and pay for.
If I have my health and my family and friends are reasonably healthy/happy and I have free time to spend as I please, I’m happy. I try to play as much as I work, that’s the balance that works for me.