What & Where is Happiness?

Author: Anjana Shamballa

For many years, there was this one bracelet I had my eye on. A gorgeous piece and I really wanted it. I thought and said to myself ‘ Once I get this, It will be perfect and I will be happy’

Yes, the bracelet was going to make me happy.

One Anniversary my husband took me to a store and Voila! there was the bracelet that was going to bring me all the happiness for my fulfilled life.

So I got the bracelet :) I absolutely love and cherish it. It is a beauty I must say. I love wearing it.

Now, every time I put on the bracelet, it brings a double smile to my face. One because I love it and second because it makes me think ‘ Is this what I related absolute happiness too?’

It makes me aware, makes me realize, makes me understand what and where happiness for me truly is. It reminds of the people, the experiences.. all that has given me and still gives me happiness.

For example: Seeing my Boys faces when we are having a chat online... Looking at their faces lights me up. A trip to Finland, my family had organized for me for my Birthday.. those memories are everlasting and pure happiness. Things like this gave me joy and will still give me that same joy and smile in my heart when I think back about that.

So then why do so many of us relate happiness to material things in life.? I will be happy when I get that car… I will be happy when I get my home … or a bracelet ;)

In my experience, materialistic things give me temporary happiness. And what we are all looking for is permanent happiness right?

Where and what is Happiness?

As the Dalai Lama says " Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes too from your own actions. "

Happiness for each one of us means something different.

I can share what I feel happiness is, how I experience happiness, what happiness means to me and what I do to live happily. But it could be something completely different for you.

For example, I may feel that sitting in a garden, under a big tree, reading a book and having a cup coffee is a form of happiness for me. You may absolutely dislike the idea of sitting on the grass, outdoors. Maybe you prefer sitting on a comfortable, cozy couch with a cup of tea and your book.

So how do I explain to You what happiness is?

You can make a list and tick off a bunch of things that apply to you. ( I will share a rough list below )

Once you have ticked all that you enjoy, make a note of the amount of time you spend in a day ( or week ) oil these activities.

Then start writing what you can do to spend more time on these and increase your happiness quotient.

  • Spending quality time with my partner
  • Spending quality time with children
  • Meeting friends
  • Listening to music that lifts makes me happy
  • Singing and dancing
  • Reading
  • Exercise
  • Meditation
  • Feeling ( and sharing ) Gratitude
  • Cooking
  • Giving in any way you like to society
  • Hobbies
  • Laughing
  • Spa
  • Me time

Please add on to this list.

So now, where do you feel happiness is? What are you going to do to add more happiness to your life?

I know and realize that happiness is my choice. Everything I do, say, be is my choice - so I can decide whether to feel happy or not.

Here’s an example: I may not feel like cooking today but I need to eat right? And I do not want to order in.. so what choice do I have? Sulk and put some food together? Or, what I do is put on some music, get into a happy zone, smile, be grateful for the fresh, healthy foods I have available and start cooking.

Now, we can apply this to any aspect of life.

Coming back to my bracelet - every time I put it on now, it brings an even bigger smile to my face because it makes me think ‘ Is this what I related happiness too?’ It makes me aware - it makes me think of all the things that make me happy - not so much the things honestly... But Life and its experiences.

So where is happiness? Oh, definitely where I want it to be and what is happiness - whatever I choose to make it.

So here’s to Happiness