Happiness is the undying quest of life, the unquenchable thirst and the insatiable hunger of all human kind. Happiness is what we all seek for, what we long for. But can such bliss be nothing but an elusive state of mind, which is here one moment and gone the next, or is such a positive outlook attainable for a lifetime? Above everything else, happiness is purely a state of mind. Two people put in the same situation would be perceive things differently, and would have different trains of thought. One might still be happy, put in the most miserable of environments, while the other might cringe, though everything was handed to him on a platter. No amount of money can buy you real happiness. So what do you need to do to be happy? You don't need to be surrounded by wealth, you don't need more pocket money, or the latest video game, or the latest phone in your pocket, or an r15. You need not follow the eight-fold path incorporated by the Buddha. Just a few simple pointers would do.
1. Love yourself.
One who loves himself has no rival. You should be your favourite and be able to live with yourself. This contentment would clear most of the frustration in your mind, and make you a better person to be around with.
2. Love thy neighbour.
Not in the literal sense, but any feeling of dislike towards someone you know, would automatically poison your mind (film stars excluded). Learn to accept people as they are, whether they be to your liking or not. If you don't get along, well, then accept that too! Just remember that someone might be feeling the same way about you too. And what you give to someone eventually comes back to you, be it love, respect, or dislike.
The most effective and popular medicine for a low spirit or a glum expression is a smile, be it given or received. A smile from the heart, which reaches the eyes automatically passes the glow all around. Try it : give yourself your best smile in the mirror (not a wide grin).. just look into your eyes and smile. You'd be smiling a long time after that.
4. Don't worry.
What's happened has happened, and what's going to happen.. no one knows!! So wipe the creases off your forehead.. take what comes with a smile, and think towards what could be the solution. Face any situation with confidence, and tell youself you can tackle it better than anyone else!
5. Make the most of your day.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery.. today is a gift. Wake up everyday to face the world with head held high, ready to take on any challenge coming your way with enthusiasm so that before you sleep, you can review your day with no regrets, and know that you have done your best.
6. Be positive.
Always be optimistic in your thoughts and actions. Don't ever let anything get you down. Anticipate with positivity, whatever you think would happen next, and whatever happens, know that it would happen for the good, and that eventually something good would come out of it. Just keep going, persist, no matter what.
7. Take time out for yourself
Think.. what is it that would make you really really happy? A game? Or music? A long conversation with your best friend? what ever it may be, make sure you allow yourself to do it, even for a short while.
For starts, these basic points would do wonders. The entire cycle of life, why man goes to the extent of making money, and then spending it, or bequeathing it to his offspring, is based on the pursuit of happiness. Most would define money as the building block of happiness, spend their entire life trying to earn as much of it, and then when they realise they were wrong, it gets too late.We chase money, health, growth, fame, power, property and relationships, not for their own sake but for the satisfaction they promise. The creation of empires and civilizations, the discovery of continents, the waging of wars, the whole ebb and flow of history is a graphic portrait of man's ceaseless quest for happiness. We choose, to be or not to be happy. Have you made the right choice today?
