All I ever want in this life is to be happy. How can I find it?
Some people cross the ocean to find happiness. Some kill, some rob, some even start a war, all for the sake of finding happiness. Yet they will never find what they are looking for, for happiness is not something you find. It’s something you make.
I’m going to share with you an embarrassing personal story of mine before we move on.
There was a period of time where I was constantly depressed. I get agitated easily, often moody and I was always in my room, avoiding people. It was a black period in my life. A past that I cannot seem to shake off no matter how many times I tried.
It all started when I was doing my final years in Australia. That’s right. It was a year ago.
Due to reasons unknown, my body was unable to adjust according to the weather and lifestyle in the country Down Under. And the price to pay was something I would never see coming.
I got infected with Papule and Cyst. A type of skin condition that makes its way to some 89% of teenagers, but not so much young adults.
It is a condition whereby if you don’t cure it soon enough, it will turn a normal looking guy into some other creature. A nightmare among popular guys (ehem..).
In case you’re clueless, I was referring to the inflammatory acne that had haunted my past and made me a social outcast.
I can see some of you laughing right now.
You can call me naive and laugh all you want, but the misery that comes from having acne spreading all over the face is not something anyone should belittle.
But you know what, you’re probably right. It is funny now that I think about it. Looking back, I had probably exaggerated the scenario a little too much. I’m pretty sure this is a common mistake though.
Most of us seem to have the tendency to dramatize our given situation (if you don’t, good for you). You know, the time when we messed up on a project and got our ass handed by the boss. Or perhaps the time when we lost a close friend over something minuscule. Don’t delete his number just yet.
Sure, the event that befalls us is not going to make our day.
But you heard the saying, “Smile and the world smiles with you.”
Truth is, tomorrow is another day. While you may never know what’s in store for you, I can tell you won’t be happy if you keep sulking over the little things.
“How do you differentiate the little ones from the big?” You asked.
Well, You can tell when you fail to make it into the news on 8.
With war and famine going on every single day, there are simply no justification for us to get beat up over petty things.
But we can’t compare, right?
Yes we can. And for the sake of our “everyday is a happy day” motto, we simply have to.
Happiness is a state of mind, I kid you not.
These days, I smile a lot. When walking down the street, when making eye contacts with strangers, at the counter and even during odd moments. I’m not smiling because I’m happy. It’s actually the other way around. I smile because I want to be happy.
The next time you’re in a rough situation, ask yourself, is it worth crying over? Could you possibly have overreacted?
No matter how big a problem may be, this too shall pass. In this world, nothing ever last. Yep. It’s just like those damn zits.
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Truly! Happiness is a state of mind. We create it in our minds, by the way we interpret reality. Being able to see the big picture of things, is in my perspective one of the best way to become happy.
Eduard
Ideas With A Kick´s last blog ..Q: How do I look? A: Like everybody else
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Karlil Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
You’re right on the money with the big picture Eduard. Thanks for the comment.
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I’m really glad you posted this.
This whole issue of happiness has been a trending topic in my life for about the past two weeks. Recently a friend said something to me, that I found absolutely true, and that I think would sum your article right up: “Your state of mind determines your state of reality.”
It’s absolutely true that if, like you’ve said, we act happy because we want to be happy, then that will become our reality.
Brilliant advice and great post!
rush´s last blog ..Telling you how it is, & if not, how it might be: i.e. Life as told by Rush.
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Glad you like the post rush. Thanks for the awesome comment.
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Karlil
I’m in total agreement… “Realization for me was somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean on-board a Navy ship.”
My challenge is to equip others with this knowledge prior to their plight.
Roy Pickron
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Karlil Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Hey Roy. Sound like some tough experience you had there. Glad you came into realization though. It’s always better to realize it sooner than later.
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“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” *Nelson Mandela
Not only is it good for you, it is good for others
Charles – Creative Lab´s last blog ..Finding Your Passion (or choosing not to)
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I love that quote Charles. And you’re absolutely right on the mark. it work both ways.
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You’re awesome Nik, i used to be like that black to the world hiding beneath the shadows. It DOESN’T work bro, and i’m so happy that you honestly talk to others about your experiences – it makes you that much more personable man.
Happiness is a mental attitude indeed, wear it or don’t! Good connecting with you here bro, always looking for like minded people especially away from my areas of expertise. Love personal development, guys like you Dragos and Steve are really cool – love your content!
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I’m glad you enjoyed my articles Ahad. This comment made my day. And I absolutely agree with you. Dragos and Steven are an awesome bunch.
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Hi Nik, reminds me of a Nat King Cole song:
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you
Great stuff Nik.
Steven Aitchison´s last blog ..5 Steps To Increasing Your Coincidence Factor
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Now that is a beautiful song Steven. Thanks for sharing.
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I couldn’t agree with this more. It’s really the way you look at the world and it’s actually kind of funny how simple it is to change. All it takes is the simple realization that the world isn’t against you. Any feelings of unhappiness, fear, etc. lies within yourself and to change it all you have to do is change your mental attitude.
Nate´s last blog ..The Elusive Search for Meaning
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That is certainly true Nate. Thanks for the wonderful comment.
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“No matter how big a problem may be, this too shall pass.”-so true! Thanks for the wonderful post, Nik!
Lana – DreamFollowers Blog´s last blog ..How To Stop Making Decisions Based On Fear
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Thanks for the wonderful comment Lana.
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