Formula for Happiness

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to be happy? Does it take just money or power? Is happiness in seeing your name on the front page of the leading daily? Is it having the 'ideal' family?

All of us want to be happy. And we all wish there was some secret formula that would lead us to happiness. But, happiness, in essence, is a feeling of contentment. A sense of satisfaction. And it is impossible find it outside. Happiness has to be experienced from within. This is not a great 'funda' or theory. It is a simple fact of life. Every one of us can be happy, if we know just how.

There are times in life, you suddenly look back and realise that you missed something. And you feel very sad. And that happens to just about every one of us. More so in today's fast-paced world where each man is for himself and hardly cares about what others are doing. In your mad rush to reach your so called 'destination,' you rush through life without pausing to look at the small things around you. You keep pushing ahead full steam, working hard towards a goal which you are yourself not very sure of.

You start off early in life, with a goal to excel in academincs. You get so caught up in preparations, examinations and tuitions that you hardly have any time for yourself, let alone for other people! With scoring good marks in exams as the primary (and the ultimate as well!) focus, you surge ahead, ignoring your basic needs for love and care.

Once out of school, you start working towards building a career. And in doing so, you trample many a heart under your foot. Your sole intention is to make it to the top in one of the leading MNCs. And for that you are willing to do anything, even if it means giving up your relationship with people close to you. You slog day in and day out, with not so much as a thought for your family or friends.

But reaching the top is not the end. In fact, it is the beginning of a whole new saga of struggle. Because you have to stay there. And in today's world of cut-throat competition, it does not take long for you to come crashing down to Mother Earth if you don't work hard enough to maintain your position.

In all this, what do you really achieve? Power? Money? Fame? Well, yes. But is that what life is all about? Is being the richest person in the Universe the be-all and end-all of it? NO. Somehow, it is against human nature to be satisfied with anything. The more you get, the more you seem to want. And every time you convince yourself with a 'This is it - if I get this, I'll be happy.' But happiness in reality is evasive. The more you pursue it, the farther away it gets from your reach.

There is no secret formula for happiness. However, there is just one simple way to be happy. And that is, learning to appreciate the good things in life. As the saying goes, 'good things always come in small packages' - so, look for the goodness in small things. Like summer rain. Or a baby playing in the sand. Or your pet dog's wagging tail when you get home after a long day at work. Or that first rose in your garden. Or that look in your beloved's eyes when you say, 'I love you.' Pause. Look. Feel. Enjoy. Smile.

When troubles weigh you down, think of those who are even less fortunate than you. And thank the Lord for being kind to you. Never think you are alone in your troubles. And never think that you are the only one who has problems.

Promise yourself that you will be happy, no matter what. If anyone can make you happy, it's you. When you are going through a bad patch, reassure yourself that it will soon be over and things will be all right again. Never lose hope. And never give up! If there's one thing that will surely take you to that elusive state of "sheer bliss," it is perseverance. And faith.

Train yourself to take things as they come. Success is the sweet result of some bitter hard work! Keep that in mind and forge ahead. Start with learning to see the bright side to things. Learn to accept your limitations and be content with what you have. Don't strive for something that is way beyond your reach, and end up being frustrated, angry and unhappy. You might find it difficult to accept initially, but as you go by, you will understand what true joy is, and happiness will become second nature to you.

Appreciate kindness. Compliment generously. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it. And laugh wholeheartedly. Stop judging people. Accept them as they are. Be honest. Give your best in whatever you do. Try not to make promises you cannot keep. And above all - don't worry, and be HAPPY!