On Happiness

I was shocked one day when I was asked by a friend if I’m happy. As my friend, she’s supposed to know that already. But as our conversation got going, I realized that I cannot fault her for asking me such a lame question (well- it was perfectly logical from her point of view, and I’ll respect that). It turns out that her concept of happiness is way too different from my own that is why she couldn’t possibly picture me out as being happy in this miserable (again, from her point of view, not mine) existence she believes I am in. I let her ignorance pass however. I consider her my friend after all and so I have to accept that part of her as something I can’t help about.

A few days ago, my feelings of disgust over such a question was revived. Word of the mouth has it that horrible tongues and narrow minds that have nothing better to do, have analyzed in microscopic fashion that the seeming absence of laughter among my inner circle is due to the fact that we are an unhappy bunch. A miserable bunch. A bunch that live and find comfort in a house deemed a mausoleum. Now that’s when I really laughed at such absurdity! But then after the hysterical giggles have ebbed, I realized that once again, I can’t do anything about such misconception. These people don’t know me and those I hold dear.

How they view happiness is not my business anymore. But it got me to think. What is happiness to them anyway? In my humble research I found that these people have some things in common:

1. Ignorance – this is self-explanatory anyway. Whoever believes that one is unhappy just because he/she is not laughing a lot has got to be a d*** a**.

2. Love of Money – these people live and breathe money as if it’s their god. They believe that money is not really the root of all evil but is the answer to everything, including the path to earning respect, love and friendship.

3. The uncanny ability to deceive – they can feign anything. They would even sip puss for you if only to make you believe that they’re on your side. That they’re your greatest sympathizers. They are generous with compliments as well. And yet when you’re not looking, they speak ill about you. Even the fact that you love sleeping a lot! (now if that’s not crap, then I don’t know what is).

4. They’re beautiful people – they are charming. They have the charisma. That’s because they’re experts at role-playing. That’s why if you don’t have what it takes to “befriend” someone within 5 minutes after meeting them, then you’re not just “it”.

5. They have ambition – hence, they are greedy and are not content to simply be grateful with their blessings. They have to put other people down in order to make them even feel better while languishing in their self-professed financial success.

It really makes me sad knowing that there are still misguided souls out there…….

Happiness actually is a constant state of the mind, heart and spirit. Hence, no matter what happens, it will never leave your being. That is the premise by which I base my concept of happiness. So take that and respect it.

I am happy even when I don’t laugh too often. Actually I do laugh when I’m with people I truly love. It comes naturally. I clam up when I’m with strangers and people I don’t really like. That’s no measure of unhappiness though (get that?). Being choosy is, after all, not a crime. Spreading malice around you is. So is lying and stealing anything (money and affection most especially) from the people you claim you value. Why is that so hard to distinguish anyway?

Sadly, I am not as boisterous in my spiritual gratitude that all the blessings I have are simply acknowledged before God not before any mortal – much less those who are willing to jump at the opportunity to stab me and those I love, in the back.

I have everything I need in life and all that I wanted are poured down upon me even before I asked for it. I don’t have money in the bank. I don’t have connections with the rich and famous. I don’t have a perfect father, mother, sister and brother (just a perfect 3-year old niece) but why should I care? They’re the best I can ever have and the best there ever will be, (an inscription from Michael Jordan’s bronze statue which may well apply to them) so why look for something more when I am content? That to me is one good reason why I can say I am happy. I may not have ambition but I have a dream. And long ago, I have realized that I have a purpose in life. And in going after that dream and purpose, I have every reason to wake up in the morning everyday (except Saturdays actually since I get up at noon ☺) with anticipation.

I have millions of disappointments that will beat that of the world’s economic crisis but I have life (physical and spiritual), I have love, and I have inner peace. These should provide the perfect sunshine to cover up the rainy days for me.

I am not perfect. Otherwise, I would not allow people to ruin my day with their malice. But I am content. Ergo, happy. Laughter is actually not the best way to express joy and happiness. If you don’t know what is – then keep closing your heart and your mind – and you will never know.