Finding Happiness
The life story of Chris Gardner, as portrayed in the Hollywood movie The Pursuit of Happyness, was all about fighting for a dream and, obviously, finding happiness. It’s all about discovering who you are and having the willingness to face all odds just to realize your dream. Lucky for Chris, he surpassed all hitches and went from a homeless man trying to raise his son on the streets of San Francisco to owning his own brokerage firm and earning millions.
That to most of us is happiness. But did what happened to Chris enough to be called happiness? Would Chris’ life what everyone else thinks as finding happiness? To some people probably yes, but to others, there’s more they want to happiness? So, what really is happiness? How do you find happiness?
Experts say that there are areas you need to look into to achieve happiness: self, spirituality, relationships, and attitude.
Self. Before you find happiness in others, you need to find it first within you. Know yourself: what do you love doing, what motivates you, what your dreams are. If you know who you are deep inside, the happier you will be. Forget about your fears and anxieties. Stop worrying of how to be a size two or why he hasn’t answered your calls. Happiness is the natural state of your soul. You don’t have to work hard to achieve it. You simply need to accept it.
Spirituality. If you know that inspires you and gives you strength, you are most likely to say you are happy. A strong spiritual faith helps you separate from your ego. Faith helps you see what is real and detaches you from the optical delusion brought by your ego. Whichever way you practice your spirituality—prayer, yoga, or meditation—it will help you discover who you are and connect with the idea that your soul is happiness itself; the happiness you seek is that which is in you.
Relationships. If you want to be happy, build rich relationships. Be a friend; give your best time and attention to your relationships. Be a people finder, be with people. Whether it is with your partner, colleagues, siblings, etc. make a conscious effort to be the most loving person you can be. Loving and happiness, after all, are connected feelings.
Attitude. Happiness is all choices. If you have decided on how good today or this year will be, you are setting a conscious effort to be happy. Choice is actually a very powerful thing. Whatever choices you make today is a step to happiness. Just don’t aim on chasing after your happiness rather make it a choice to be happy.
