Each person has things that make him/her happy that differ from another individual’s picks. Every one wants to be happy but most times we do not focus on that goal. We let a lot of things take over that need. Sometimes we let people’s hurtful words, their jealousy or their uncouthness divert our attention from that top priority that is – being happy. Happiness is also left hanging on the edge when we desire money over the former. An academic advisor at the University of Ottawa told me something that has made him one of my best people forever. He told me: Do what makes you happy. I took that advice and I am not regretting doing so. That advice applies to every sphere of life. Don’t take a job that you don’t enjoy just because it pays well. Go find that job that you are actually passionate about. Make effort to be happy. Happiness not only makes you feel better, it makes you do better. Also, happiness will make you be the best person that you can be to others. The truth is everybody needs some positive actions from other people to boost their own happiness. I consider happiness to be a dream because it feels good to be very happy, but then, honestly, the feeling of happiness is inconsistent. However, we can avoid stressing over those things that are not worth compromising our joy, our happiness, for. I have been on that journey to get immune to certain annoyances, for a while now. Last year, I was speaking with my elder sister on the phone and I was telling her of my plan to be going out for dinners with friends very often. At that period, I was having frequent bouts of depression. I have made improvements now. Back to my point … I went further to tell my sister that sticking to my new plan would be costly, then I added: I don’t mind spending a lot of money. I just want to be happy. I did not have a lot. Trust me! However, I did not mind spending a great deal from the ‘just enough’ that I had. Happiness was my goal. That plan helped me very much. Every week, I would have a friend(s) that I will be meeting with for breakfast/lunch/dinner. I would take the effort to search for the restaurant to go to; I would plan where my friend(s) and I should meet at before we headed to the restaurant. My efforts were not in vain, I always had fun each time I executed my happiness plan. Happiness is a selfish emotion. It does not stick to anyone for too long, but there are ways to avoid staying out of touch with it for too long. I will share with you personal tips that have helped me grab a hold of happiness and sometimes, they have helped me hold it captive for a good amount of time. Here you go: – Stop looking down on yourself. Appreciate the person that you are now and the better person that you will become as time goes on. – “Do what makes you happy”. Really! In my case, I love going out with friends, hanging out with my sister and dancing. I also enjoy travelling. I like being an entrepreneur-in-training. Find your own passions and stick with them. – Don’t reply every insult or sarcastic statement that is directed toward you. – Don’t send an email to someone when you are still angry at that person. Give yourself some time to lighten up, so that you can express yourself in a peaceful manner, while still trying to send across your message. – It is better to call someone than to send a text message to that person when you feel that the message might be interpreted to mean something contrary to your intention. – Exercise often. People who exercise often tend to be happy and energetic (so no time to lie around and drown in sadness!). – Go out often, and try to make new friends when you do. – Distance yourself from people who make you doubt yourself. – Do things that will help others to be happy as well. Here is a quote that I learnt about from the book that I am currently reading called, The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin: “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” – Aristotle I hope you put those words at the back of your mind. You deserve happiness and you need to put in effort to attain it.
My questions for you
– What makes you happy?
– What are those things that you are going to get rid of, so that you can be happy more often?
Wishing you lots of happiness!
Love,
Chiamaka.
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My children make me happy.
Aww!:)
Dear Chaimaka,
I enjoyed reading your post, and it was very timely for me as I’m not feeling that great at the moment. In reply to your questions:
– What makes you happy?
I don’t know. This might sound dumb, but I’ve sort of lost direction and don’t know what actually makes me happy, as opposed to staving off the unhappiness. I think being with fun people, doing things which make me feel like I’ve made the world a better place, reading a great book, having financial stability, and exercise-induced endorphin rushes all make me feel happy.
– What are those things that you are going to get rid of, so that you can be happy more often?
First up, I need to get a strong financial base again – it’s too hard to live happily without that, without knowing whether you’ll be forced out of your home, whether you’ll be able to continue to afford treatment, etc. Then I want to spend more time with other people. We’ll work up from there.
Thanks again!
Hi! First of all, I would like to thank you for reading this blogpost. I am really glad that you liked it. Also, thank you so very much for sharing your perspectives as well!
Your replies are so inspiring. I think that you are on the right track as you have identified the things that you need in order for you to attain happiness. Keep up with those things that you are already practising and for the ones that you seek, start working toward them. You can do this. Allow only positive thoughts into your mind. When the negative thoughts come, go do one of those things that make you happy. Let me know if you have any questions. Here’s to a very happy you:)
Thank you so much! I have become very skilled at not dwelling on this I have no control over, but now can transfer that focus to thinking of things which make me happy. Thank you again! 🙂
Dear Chiamaka,
What makes me happy is trying new things and dancing and singing and great conversation. Also reflecting and writing and feeling a sense of growth and upward movement in my life. Good question to think about.
Hi Ebele! I love your response. Please keep up with these wonderful things that make you happy.:)