Is achieving true happiness a possiblity?

 

                            Is achieving true happiness a possibility?

 

In this dynamic contemporary world of ours,

We have every comfort required to live with ease.

But still the agony overpowers,

Is it a part of the fees?

                                                             -Raina

 

Happiness – a nine lettered word, which basically drives humanity. Everybody in this whole universe is chasing pleasure by hook or crook. So, what is this desirable concept and is it achievable? This question goes over and beyond the minds because every individual is structured so distinctively that the explanation varies from person to person. Life is just a game which can be called “THE QUEST OF HAPPINESS”. Everything we do in life boils down to a single affair; we all are just running behind the same thing in different ways. Ask yourself; the reply of every ‘Why’ eventually leads to the notion of seeking contentment, satisfaction, joy – which are nothing but the thesauruses of Happiness. Why do you want this job? It will give me financial independence and hence happiness. Why do you want a new car? It will cater to my needs and give me comfort hence a sense of ease which is synonymous with happiness. This enticing concept is not as easy to actualize as it seems. Even though we are living in the most advanced era that human beings have ever experienced, still an estimated 3.8% of the population is affected by depression, which is, approximately 280 million people in the world are battling depression. And why do the people who lived in the early 1970s and 80s were far happy and satisfied with life than we are today? It is because they weren’t chasing happiness, rather, they preferred living in the moment.

Happiness is a fleeting concept; we may be happy for some time but we return to our normal mood almost instantly. If you ask me the question that if happiness is attainable in this lifetime, I would say yes, you can be happy but not all the time; because as important as it is to be joyful, it is equally important to undergo the ride of emotions that life has to offer.

 Life is like a roller coaster ride, no one is spared from uncertainties and obstacles. But difficulties also have a considerable amount of contribution to our happiness, because only when we encounter dark clouds and strong winds only then we’ll be able the savor the sweet taste of true joy. Our life unfolds in a way that leads us to experience the beauty of different emotions such as disappointment, pain, anger, frustration, peace, calm, serenity. We must feel each emotion deeply in order to experience the profundity that life has to offer.

Let me give you an example, everyone who arrives on this planet has dreams and desires in their twinkling eyes – common dreams – like owning a beautiful mansion, having a sports car, living a luxurious life, having financial freedom, etc. Then when they become mature, they start earning money, let’s say to an extent that they could actually afford these things. What happens after that? Happily, ever after? No! those materialistic dreams that stayed with you for so many years and which you set as a hallmark for your success will excite you for a few days and then you will very quickly get used to owning them. The satisfaction and contentment vanish and you are again left with a void that you try to fill by leaping to another goal. Life is like that; once you accomplish one thing you are onto the other. But always remember Goals are momentary and happiness is not a Goal. Although, money and goals are significant differentiators and are very necessary, but there is still no assurance of you leading a happy life.

So, then practically all things that are potentially seeming to give us happiness is an illusion? Because it is like 95% of boredom and 5% of that adrenaline rush that we get after realizing our goal. So, the major part of our life is just hustling, getting stressed and frustrated and being hungry to achieve that one point that is just going to hit us for a few days and will fleet away. Is this how we want to lead our lives?

Happiness is an expression that fluctuates and is inconsistent. The concept that we all are running behind is like a mirage, we can see it from a distance but as we move towards it, it starts going furthermore ahead than us. My question is – why are we even running behind happiness?  Maybe we need to stop chasing happiness like madmen and instead just cherish and find satisfaction in the present moment. If you do something that excites you almost every day in the entire process then you can convert that 95% of boredom into excitement, adrenaline rush and a hunger to learn,  you will undoubtedly have your share of ups and downs and you will be disappointed (which is also an important experience) but you will not be disheartened because the process will stimulate the very core of your heart and soul, if you do it with presence and without a sense of getting instant gratification and incentives, you will experience something different. In simple words, ENJOY THE PROCESS.

This is just a raw thought that I’ve been thinking about for a long time, so I thought I might as well share it!

I ask you today, is running behind happiness worth it? Are you truly happy in your life? Do you think you can achieve this ideal state of happiness in your lifetime?

Do comment below and let me know!

If you are suffering from any adversity or challenge in your life and need someone to talk to, feel free to contact me on my Instagram or Gmail, I will try my best to revert and we can have a one-on-one conversation there.

Gmail - rainanagpal56@gmail.com

Instagram - https://instagram.com/raaaaiiinnaa_?r=nametag

Thank you for reading!

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

HAPPY LIVING 😊