Happiness, a state of mind
D“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” —Omar Khayyam
id you know that Finland is ranked #1 in the UN’s 2021 World Happiness Report? And that’s for the fourth time in a row and despite the raging pandemic and extreme weather conditions. When I was in Helsinki a few years ago, I used to wonder how anyone could feel happy out there in the extreme cold of the land. While the country does have not-so-favourable weather conditions and may not be the biggest or the most powerful country, it is the happiest nation in the world.
Now, before you begin to apply for a Finnish Visa and pack your bags to head there, remember that happiness is a state of mind. While you and I may not be able to replicate the Finnish welfare benefits, low levels of corruption or other reasons that contribute to the happiness, we might still find ways to be happy wherever we are right now.
First and foremost, choose happiness. Happiness is not an outcome of current circumstances but a choice. Never get caught in the trap of thinking your circumstances need to change before you can be happy. Focus on the good. Happiness is about perspective, so too, look for reasons to be happy, and you shall surely find them. Happy people focus on positivity.
Practice an attitude of gratitude. Choose to be thankful today. Express gratitude for whatever you have in life.
Be present in your relationships because your relationships hold the key to happiness. Close relationships protect people from life’s disappointments, delays mental and physical decline and ensure long and happy lives. Harvard happiness expert Daniel Gilbert explains, “We are happy when we have family, we are happy when we have friends and almost all the other things we think make us happy are actually just ways of getting more family and friends.”
Develop healthy habits. Eat healthy. Exercise regularly. Work hard. Pray often. And get adequate sleep.
Make “service before self ” your motto. The most efficient pathway to lasting happiness is to not only look at your own interests, but also the interests of others. When we serve others unconditionally, we experience the beauty of selfless love and become exponentially happy.
Dear readers, I wish that you find happiness in whatever situation you may find yourself. It is not the circumstance that determines happiness but your disposition.