In search of happiness
Every human being has a dream or life goal. The goals are different like to be an engineer, doctor, chartered accountant, sportsman, or an artist. All these goals lead to happiness. So everybody is in search of happiness.
However, when they try to find a way to their happiness they get confused. They see different routes to happiness and get confused.
I had read a story during my childhood. There was a belief that at the end of a rainbow where it touches the ground a pot full of gold is buried in the ground. Everybody tried to reach that spot but it kept going farther and at one point in time it vanished. The story applies to those who are in pursuit of happiness.
Happiness defined
In order to clear the confusion, understand what happiness means to you. Do not look for advice or guidance. The perception of happiness is different for everyone, as every individual is different. Everybody cannot enjoy the same food even if it is prepared by the best chef. Somebody prefers spicy hot food, while others may like sweet food.
Even we feel the same action or event differently in different situations. Let me share my own example. I love my grandson immensely. I get an opportunity to meet him once a year for a few weeks only. During that period I spent maximum time with him. He makes me play with him. Since he is only four years old, he is bubbling with energy. I really sweat while playing with him. But I never feel tired of him. On the contrary, I find the energy and the highest happiness during that period. During the rest of the year, these memories serve as a source of peak happiness to me. But when I exert myself taking exercises for the same amount of effort, it tires me out. The exertion is the same. In the first case, it elates my heart the other is part of daily routine and mandatory.
Sources of happiness
So happiness is found in whatever touches your heart. It could be food, hobby, relationship, or profession. Obviously, happiness is not the same for all. It is unique to everyone. Also, all the sources of happiness are temporary. If you find all these that are of your interest every day, then it becomes routine. The charm gets lost. Therefore there is no eternal happiness.
Happiness and pain – Contrast effect
A color becomes prominent against contrasting colors. Similarly, happiness becomes enjoyable when you go through some pain to achieve it. You find that sweet feeling at the end of hard work. Do not expect happiness in an easy life. It may be pain-free but you do not get the special feeling of happiness. If you consider my previously stated example, my enjoyment during my meet with my grandson is due to a long separation from him. If I get to meet him frequently, still I would enjoy time with him as I love him so much. But when I meet him after a long separation the happiness gets added with a special charm. We find happiness in a relationship when during a fight or argument the other person steps down to appease us. The principal is anything in this word becomes prominent by contrast. If you see the moon in the sky during the day, it does not attract you because it is dim against the sunlight. But the same moon becomes charming and beautiful in the night sky.
A color becomes prominent against contrasting color. Similarly happiness becomes enjoyable when you go through some pain to achieve it. You find that sweet feeling at the end of hard work. Do not expect happiness in an easy life. It may be pain free but you do not get the special feeling of happiness. If you consider my previously stated example, my enjoyment during my meet with my grandson is due to long separation with him. If I get to meet him frequently, still I would enjoy time with him as I love him so much. But when I meet him after a long separation the happiness gets added with a special charm. We find happiness in a relationship when during a fight or argument the other person steps down to appease us. The principal is anything in this word becomes prominent by contrast. If you see moon in the sky during the day, it does not charm you because it is dim against the sunlight. But the same moon becomes charming and beautiful in the night sky.
Happiness is not a destination
Do not expect eternal happiness. Do not believe anybody who promises you that. Try to find happiness wherever, whenever you can. Try your favorite dish once in a while. Spend time working on your hobby when you find the time. Watch or play your favorite sport when you are free. Go to a destination of your interest once a month.
But you spend most of your time in your profession and the rest of the time in a relationship. So these are the two things which can instill happiness in your life. Find a profession that allows your strength or unique qualities to be fully utilized. For this, you need to discover your unique strengths and match careers. The career counselor can help you to do that if you are not sure.
The next is relationship. Try to develop a good relationship with your love. Of course, it has to be a two-way process.
Finally, remember that happiness is not a destination. It is a discovery on the way of our life path. Enjoy it whenever you find it. Do not regret it when you pass on. The memories will form your treasure of happiness. Tap it whenever you are alone and down.
My best wishes for a happy life to my readers.
The next blog in the series is to be published next Wednesday 1st December 2021.
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