From a very early age, I began to question the concept of happiness. It eluded me, seemingly absent from my parents' lives, leaving me to wonder why everything felt so arduous and demanding. The more pressing question was, why did I still lack contentment even when I had achieved independence and was living life on my own terms? What was the underlying issue?
Embarking on a journey of therapy and earnestly seeking to uncover meaning and purpose in life, I gradually found the answers I sought about happiness.
Reflecting on my traumatic childhood, I yearned for love and happiness as any child would. Yet, I struggled to unearth genuinely joyful memories from that time. However, I now understand that this is alright. I've consciously implanted new sources of happiness into my subconscious mind. They serve as beacons of light during moments of sorrow, lifting me up. This leads me to ponder: how often do we endeavor to transform ourselves rather than attempting to alter our external circumstances in pursuit of happiness and security?
Our levels of contentment are often tied to the external environment. We find joy in a new place that resonates with us, while discomfort breeds sadness. So, how can one maintain a state of happiness consistently?
Allow me to share my current perspective on rediscovering happiness. I've come to view happiness as something invaluable and ephemeral. I realised that nothing in this world lasts forever except for one thing—death. Accepting the impermanence of life and understanding the beauty of our limited time here led me to reassess the significance of clinging to feelings.
I've come to understand that happiness cannot be stored or maintained consistently. It is more like a compass that guides us in life. It helps us find our purpose and encourages us to do more of what brings us joy while keeping us anchored in the present moment.
In conclusion, my personal journey has taught me that happiness is not a constant destination but a dynamic and ever-changing journey. We must adapt, find our purpose, and savor the fleeting moments of joy in our lives Instead of relying solely on external circumstances, we must learn to cultivate happiness from within. Embracing the impermanence of life, and appreciating the opportunity to spend time here, is the key to understanding happiness as a sense of direction in life—a tool that keeps us moving forward in our quest for contentment and fulfilment.