In pursuit of Happiness

A lot of people wants to be happy. If you ask people around you about what they really want in this world, mostly they would tell you: "I want to be happy". It's like they believe there is a place called "Happy" located in the map, and that they need to reach it. It seems like a faraway land to most.

But then happiness is not a place where you need to go (just like heaven and hell and that's another story.. I dont want to venture as of now.) , it's not a place that can be found in the world. In fact, you don't have to go anywhere or have "something" or have "someone" to find happiness.

It exists within you - in your mind and in your soul. - M. Hansen.

Can you define HAPPINESS in just one word? Guess not. It does not have one definition. Since every individual is unique, it means something entirely different to each person. Happiness does not exist in only the big things in life. It does not ruminate around an ipod or the latest gadget you acquired.

So where does one find happiness?

BEING happy. And i mean BE-ing HAPPY is a choice. It's a state of mind, an attitude we consciously choose to express. It's not a gift that would fall into your lap or that would knock at your doorstep. It's not what circumstances brings you (e.g. having a car, being with someone) it's how you see things the HAPPY way. It's not the RESULT but it's how you perceive the circumstances/situations. It's not because everything is so perfect but despite the imperfections you are happy.

The world may seem imperfect to most of you, people may seem unfair, parents may seem inconsiderate, friends may abandon you at one moment in time, lovers disappointing you, kids on the street going hungry, people in Africa getting AIDS, terrorists killing innocent people, politicians fooling the masses, graft and corruption, pain and poverty.

And you ask... "Where can i find HAPPINESS if this is the world I am living in?"

You need not wait for the world to turn away from what people call imperfections. Because you see we all need IMPERFECTIONS in order to appreciate PERFECTION. How can we say this is perfect if there is no imperfection? How can we say you are doing something good without the existence of evil? How can we say it's hot if there's no cold? Beauty without the beast ?

You need not rely on someone else to be happy, only you can be responsible for that. Accept the world, accept who you ARE completely the perfections and the imperfections... and make changes if you want to.

So where does one find happiness exactly?

Again, you need not wait for the big things to happen. Happiness can be found in simple things. Happiness can be found in the aroma of a coffee, the morning dew, the rainy Sundays you spend indoors or if you'd rather sing and dance in the rain. A silly joke that can make you laugh everytime you remember it. A movie or a song that enlightens you and gives you peace of mind. A character in a book or a movie that you can relate to. Watching kids smile... seeing the lone flower in the dusty road.. the little act of kindness...

You can make the smallest thing or scene, like the moon in the sky or the first rays of sunshine into a joyful experience.

Nothing can bring you happiness but yourself.

We don't need a reason to be happy. Everything hath been given by GOD it is up to you to notice the simplicity and the joy it brings.... even when there seems to be nothing.

Share it... live it...love it. Happiness is a lifestyle... and you can't help but share it to other people as well.