What is Your Definition of Happiness?

Do you wish to lead an exciting and a happy life? Who wouldn't right. But, how do you define happiness?

Happiness is relative. What happiness is to you, it need not be the same for someone else. I have friends who love working out and exercising and it brings them immense joy. I, on the other hand just cannot think of gym without flinching. I love dancing and that is what brings me joy. Can I now say that workout brings happiness or is it dancing? Similarly, when we make decisions we cannot look at what brings others joy and expect it to bring us similar joy.

As Thucydides, a Greek historian said, 'The secret to happiness is freedom…and the secret to freedom is courage'. If we are seeking happiness, we need to be courageous enough to make decisions based on our ideology of happiness and not some pre-proven formula of what might bring you happiness.

So how does one take the road less traveled, break stereotypes or not be the sheep that follows the crowd? It all begins with us knowing ourselves. When I say knowing ourselves, it doesn’t mean knowing our favorite movie or ice cream flavor. It means, what is it we desire from our very being. It is an internal journey we all need to take. It is accepting yourself completely without questioning. Happiness is something which frees you from all the baggage we carry through life.

According to a survey by Harvard staying connected is one of the ways to a happier life. I believe it doesn’t mean connecting with just ones’ family and friends but also with one's own self. Happiness can be found is life's smallest moments for some and for others it might be found in climbing the Everest.

What is important is identifying what it is and the journey to identify is an amazing one, for you will fall in love with yourself and your life.

#lifestyle #decisionmaking