Happiness….

It was a wonderful day – I was basking in my ‘first post feat’ and feeling happy about the several messages coming my way around it. That’s when a good friend asked, “if I could have included and shared my views on how to be happy during these testing times” – Fair indeed and that gave me focus for my next post!

What is happiness! The clichéd description says a ‘state of mind’ which I would say is largely individual. An emotional rush that one feels in specific situations, yet that still is a marker to the state of mind – and all of this only sounds philosophical. But, how does one attain it!

As human beings, our lives revolve around several spheres which include career, health, family, money, friends, love, recreation, environment etc. The affirmations or rejections in each of the areas basis their respective positions in our life, control our happiness quotients. I would also take the liberty to say that some of these influences were highly pronounced in the pre-pandemic period, creating a race of sorts in the whole wide world. While, there is nothing off beam in centering one’s happiness on life facets, somewhere we had lost balances around the wheel of life….Time though with its stilling scenario seems to have brought us revelations!

We have done so many things differently during these past few months….from cleaning our homes to seeing our children sleep in front of their schooling screens….enjoying the plain home-cooked meals to baking and caking….from the Ludo and monopoly nights with family to rejoicing rains from the confines of houses….shaping creations with our kids to becoming their teachers and invigilators to answering their volley of questions day in and day out….from extended dinner table conversations to animated video calls with family….working from the comforts of our homes and feeling exhilarated about the travel time savings to surviving extended work hours many a times. The liberties of being available for the elderly have been priceless. We have also had the opportunity to be of help to many others whose livelihoods depended on us….I think this pandemic has given us abundant moments to find happiness…..

Then again, these have been freedoms for a select section of society who are in possession of many necessities of life….and so, for me happiness has begun with being obliged for the various gears that I have been blessed with….

Well, you may feel that a walk under the moon-lit sky and mango delight may bring happiness – and while, they definitely do, I am at the outset appreciative for being able to live and value these….

This time – no matter how tough, has granted us ‘time’ – time to reflect….relive….rejuvenate….refresh and recreate renewed happiness tabs….and although, it is upon us to create and recreate those ‘Ah-ha moments’ for and with, ourselves and our friends & family – it is more important for us to be grateful to begin with..

Recognize and appreciate what you hold….treasure your haves – that’s my mantra for eternal happiness!

Happiness begins with Gratitude!