Happiness Certificate

In today's world, if you're not #happy, it's often assumed something is wrong with you. You might even be encouraged to visit a "Happiness Clinic." The concept of happiness is buzzing everywhere—on social media, in reels, and through the guidance of gurus, mentors, and influencers. Some companies have even appointed "Chief Happiness Officers." I aspire to become Chief Happiness officer at some point in my life

However, there are people who feel they don't deserve to be happy. They may have suffered from past abuse or feel burdened by guilt over something they can't forgive themselves for.

But here's the point we're missing: it's okay to admit when we're unhappy, even if we don't know why. A friend of mine once confessed that she felt grumpy for no apparent reason. She said, "I know I shouldn't be unhappy because it's upsetting everyone else, but I can't help it. I just feel miserable and guilty."

So, I created a "Grumpy License" for her:

This document officially grants the bearer:

• A perpetual right to be grumpy,
• For any reason or no reason at all,
• Without let or hindrance.

Let no one infringe upon this right.

Afterward, I asked her more about why she was unhappy. She opened up about her relationship problems, her stagnant career, and the overwhelming sense of gloom that seemed to cloud her life. Whenever an opportunity for happiness came along, she would instinctively push it away, subconsciously believing she didn't deserve it.

To counter this, I gave her a "Happiness Certificate," signed by me as her mentor. This certificate granted her the right to be happy, no matter the circumstances. She took it seriously, had it framed, and hung it on her wall as a constant reminder that she was allowed to be happy. Gradually, she began to seize every moment of joy, embracing happiness as her rightful state.

But this raises a bigger question: Why do we need someone else's approval to be happy?

We have the power to choose how we feel. We can decide to be grumpy if we want, but we can also take charge of our actions and choose to see the positive in everything. Let’s acknowledge our own self-worth and print our own certificates of happiness.