What makes you happy? Is happiness the absence of any
problem? Can a pile of money make you happy? Will you still feel happy amidst
disaster and chaos?
But what is happiness? What are the keys to happiness? Are
you happy?
Live your passion
Happiness means productive activity or work.
Happiness doesn't mean inactivity. In fact, some of the
happiest people I know are so consumed by their passions. They simply love what
they do. They are in a "zone," unmindful of the setbacks that they face in
pursuing and exploring their beliefs, hobbies, work, or interests.
Despite difficulties, they don't complain nor pout. They
just do what make them feel accomplished and productive. If you live your
passion, you would remain positive, enthusiastic, and motivated regardless.
Face your challenges
head on
Happiness doesn't mean lack of problems.
Happiness is not the absence of problems and stresses. In
fact, most happy people suffer from stresses. But what makes them different is
their courage to face their problems and create various options to solve them.
Instead of blaming others, they take responsibility and unleash their
creativity to address issues especially those with short and long-term
consequences.
Also, they don't hesitate to ask for help if they feel
inadequate or overwhelmed. They don't pretend to know everything. In fact, they
know their limits and accept the expertise of others.
Value what you have
Happiness means appreciating what you have, both positive
and negative.
If you don't love what you have, who will? Your neighbors
will not bother. They have their stresses to deal with and insecurities to
confront. Your parents will not be around all the time to keep reminding you of
your worth.
Love what you have and don't covet what you lack. You have
many talents that are waiting to be tapped. And potentials that need to be
explored. You are as unique as any creature. You have the DNA that makes you a
champion. Happiness is just a matter of valuing the gifts of life.
Know your strengths
Happiness means optimizing your worth.
All of us have strengths and
weaknesses. But happy people focus on their strengths - they discover, develop,
and sharpen them. If ever they dwell on their weaknesses, they spend instead on
correcting them rather than on beating themselves down. They commit time and
effort to improve their lives.
When I was in college, I had an acquaintance who was not
academically strong but had good social skills. He had failed a few subjects
and finished his degree three years longer than his colleagues. But while in
school, he sharpened his leadership skills. He eventually became a successful
mayor of his hometown by focusing on his leadership strength rather than on his
academic infirmity.
It's not too late to be happy. Happiness is a choice.
By living your passion, facing your
problems head on, valuing what you already have, and knowing your strengths,
you can be happier and live more productively.
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