Seek happiness from within

Huh (Because I’m happy)

Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof (Because I’m happy)

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth (Because I’m happy)

Clap along if you know what happiness is to you (Because I’m happy) Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do” go the lyrics of a popular song by Pharell Williams. Unfortunately, for most of us, the pursuit of happiness is not easy.

Material possessions, wealth, a big car, a lavish house, do not guarantee happiness. Neither does the assumption that happiness is something that happens to us vs. something that we have to work at. Sonja Lyubomirsky, the author of The How of Happiness says, “50 percent of our happiness levels are genetically determined, 10 percent are affected by circumstances, while the remaining 40 percent is subject to self-control”.

If you try to seek external sources of happiness, you can disrupt your peace of mind. Focus on managing your emotional state by choosing happiness.

You may start with 3 things to make you happy. First, write down a few good things about your day. This shall help increase optimism, reduce stress and anxiety, and chemically change the brain to be more positive. Second, engage in a purposeful and positive interaction with someone. Happier people have rewarding social relationships and even a short positive interaction with a stranger contributes to helping you feel more positive. Third, spend a few minutes being mindful or on meditation. Being present and living in the Here and Now is the SECRET TO HAPPINESS.

My dear readers, I hope you realize that becoming happier takes effort and these days when we are surrounded by disheartening news, it is all the more important. Living with a more positive attitude and feeling happier is a huge part of living a meaningful and soulful life.

Material possessions, wealth, a big car, a lavish house, do not guarantee happiness. Sonja Lyubomirsky, the author of The How of Happiness says, “50 percent of our happiness levels are genetically determined, 10 percent are affected by circumstances, while the remaining 40 percent is subject to self-control”.

“There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path.”

— Buddha Gautama