It’s a journey, not a destination
“Although I am extremely thankful to God for everything, my life was on a fast-paced treadmill accomplishing things that most of my peers weren’t doing over 24 years ago. The million Dollar question is, “outside the accomplishments, was I genuinely happy?” - Modupe Ozolua.
You know, I 100% can relate to this quote from Modupe Ozolua’s article, ‘’Peace, Çay and Baklava’’. In the past, I have had cause to question my state of mind. Everything seemed to be going great on the outside, but inside there was that empty feeling. It took a conscious effort to step back and view my life from an outsider’s perspective, focus on the amazing things I was experiencing and live. One day I woke up with a smile on my face for no particular reason, and then it occurred to me I was happy or, better still ‘’happier’’. It takes being there to know the difference.
Now speaking to close friends and family about it, I have come to realise I am not alone on this table, as my Gen Z friends would say.
Happiness. That intangible, ambiguous, personal, yet universally desired feeling that we all continue to chase. Most underrated, I tell you. It’s only when you miss it that you realise its importance. A recent Happiness Report surveyed 156 countries and discovered that overall, our global happiness score was only five out of 10. Quite frankly, this isn’t surprising given the current climate of political unrest and economic uncertainty, combined with an age-indiscriminate rise in mental health issues. In response to this, Happiness has become the new rich, inner peace the new success and kindness the new cool. We live in a world where negativity constantly tries to take over Happiness. Let’s not even go into how social media makes it worse. It’s a trend. Everyone tries to portray themselves as best by putting up edited and filtered moments of life or by glorifying their routine as exceptional. A competition with no end in sight. However, are you really happy, or does the idea of showcasing yourself better than others make you happy?
Again it can be a bit difficult with the current climate, but making a conscious effort to be genuinely happier doesn’t just feel good; it does us good. I am no expert on this topic, and as such, as everyone else, I am trying. Here’s hoping you take this as your weekly reminder to focus on living a satisfied, connected, engaged life, and Happiness will hitch a ride. Also, remember it is a journey, not a destination.
Love,