What Does it Mean To Be ‘Happy’?

Ah! at this moment, for me ‘being happy’ would mean, “completing this post and publishing it,and may be nothing else!” As I failed (again) to complete my writing yesterday (and not sure how many such yesterdays’), I was feeling disappointed- for not being able to keep up with my blogging and writing regularly.

I am practicing to go slow with my life, and not to rush doing everything- being a super woman. So happiness to me is accepting that, “I cannot do everything, and perfectly! I must let go something or the other each day- just to keep a balance between my inner and outer feelings. Definitely, balancing everything (work, passion, play, and life) bring us happiness, but when we fail to do so (as so often we do!), we feel sad and frustrated, and even guilty at times!

“Happiness is finding joy in everything. And the sense of contentment, and coming to a complete peace with the present life and the present self.” 

Feeling happy is no doubt an inside job. Each time we realize this, we can become more and more happier. To me happiness means being content. It is living in the moment fully and accepting everything that is happening in my life- without any kind of comparisons. It is definitely not the absence of fear, anger, or, sufferings; but rather more openly accepting (all) not so likable parts of my life.

Ever since I realized the wonderful joy I have found by making peace and contentment (with what I am now, and where I am at present), I believed that I couldn’t have asked anything better for myself!

When I reflect upon all the changes I have brought to myself in all these years, I feel so much gratitude. “Life is not a race.” Everything that matters is now, or never!  But I’m on a constant hunt for improving myself (as well as my life) every single day; by reading and learning from every possible sources, by analyzing, and finding “things” that can keep me occupied and joyful at the same time!

I don’t see my life as a “perfect” one; but I rather see it as a beautiful good life. And I must bring-in more happiness and satisfaction into my days. So, here are the things that I try to do, to keep my inner peace no matter what comes my way.

1. Recognize Your “bests.”

Nobody else, but only you know your best talents and strengths. Recognize them enough, and feel good about it. Go for what calls you. instead of looking too far, I like living them each day- one-at-a-time.

2. Fear, but Stay Prepared.

Prepare the mind to become still, stay in peace because there are so many things that’s uncontrollable; but preparing your mind to make peace with whatever happens in your life is one of the best ways to have inner peace.

3. Feel Your “Present” Life More Closely.

Absorb everything that’s happening with you, around you at present. Soak up your mind with the “best” things, and try to sit down talking to yourself about everything else that seems taking away your inner peace and state of contentment. See, if analyzing and sorting all the problems can find you a way(s) to deal with them!

4. Just Sit in Absolute Calmness At least  Once In A Day.

Life is a complete chaotic affair. If you want to continue, you must develop your inner strength to deal with it; and nothing is as powerful as learning to ‘calm your mind’ in crisis. And sitting in absolute calmness with no noise around is a great way to strengthen that power, to react to things that happen to us every second.

5. Visual Reminders- ‘How Life Is Beautiful.’

I have so many ups and downs in my life- hardly anybody can imagine; but no matter what, I don’t see them as troubles anymore! I see them as challenges to bring out the best in me. They aren’t threats anymore, rather opportunities to turn each of these problems into a new victory; and every time I win over them- I discover a new strength within myself. I emerge out as a stronger woman, and a fighter mom- who will do everything to see her kids smiling and leading a peaceful living. So I have put different kinds of reminders all over the house to continue believing that, “life is beautiful, and not so bad after all! There are lot of things I am grateful for and I must love my present life-without looking back at the past, or aiming at a luxurious bling life.”

“Each time life has knocked me down, I have gotten back up again.” That’s my mantra of being happy, and believe me, I’m getting better and better at it with each passing day.