The Happiness Project
Sreelekshmi B S
Co-Founder & Director at BOOMBOLT | Managing Director at Smaartindia Infotech | Founder at HELICAN | Founder at Schoolessons || Entrepreneur | Educator
Being happy is purely a personal choice. I clearly understand that today. Of course, I have had experienced sadness, failures, heartbreaking moments, etc. but suffering didn’t help me to get through those setbacks in my life. When I decided to suffer, it bothered me too much. But when I chose ‘happiness’, it changed my life.
You may ask what the secret to be happy is. Well, it’s simple and in fact is scientifically proven – Happiness is a choice. It is your discretion to choose it or not.
To be happy is to live without any regrets, even on your death bed recollect your life with great content at heart.
So, how do you find happiness? Let’s explore the ingredients to be happy.
- Dreams
We all have dreams where 99% of them are unrealistic.
We strain ourselves to chase down that 99% and forget about that 1% of which can be easily achieved by our skill set(s).
One factor for being happy is to establish your goals and dreams. Prioritize to make happiness your number one goal.
· Actions
To live without regrets, we should be careful about our actions. Oh! That’s a tough cookie!
We all make mistakes. One thing about being alive is not to repeat them. Always be aware of the repercussions and be ready to learn from your mistakes.
· Gratitude
Being grateful is definitely under your control. Yes! Life can throw you lemons, melons, turnips and whole lot of produce; it is YOU who need to survive.
Stop whining and complaining, be grateful for what you have.
Say thank you, sorry, appreciate; it will help your happiness quotient.
· Responsibilities
It is true that we cannot run away from our responsibilities. There are obligations that ties us down but that doesn’t stop us to pursue happiness.
Carve out some time from that work time table for yourself – to celebrate you, to know you.
Go back to your reading habit, singing classes, sewing or cooking lessons. It is important to pursue our interests.
· Moments
Appreciate those tiny positive moments in your life. It can be the tiny blossom in your garden or it can be your baby’s first tooth or it can be when your partner holds your hand unexpectedly.
Cherish all those wonderful things in your life. Count your blessings instead of worries and complaints.
· Mindfulness
To be honest, being happy is simple and difficult at the same time. We fall into habits of both mind and body which often creates stressful events and our reactions often cause physical or emotional or psychological dysfunction which includes depression and even toxic self-criticism. (I know that!)
What’s the trick here? It’s ‘mindfulness’ not mind full.
Be aware of yourself. Be present. Be aware of your senses. Be informed. Be responsive.
Enjoy silence. Focus on your breath. Anchor down.
· Compassion
Be kind. Don’t think that the entire world revolves around you.
Give back. Think that you can make a difference. Help. It feels good.
Contribute positivity. Contribute kindness.
Ironically, I am not a people person but I am kind. I care. I am generous and that makes me happy.
· People
Delete negative and toxic people from your life. Don’t drain your energy with unnecessary drama.
Surround yourself with people who makes you happy, who gives you positive vibes.
· Smile
Just smile.
That’s it. If you think these ingredients can help you find happiness, let me know. And if not as BoJack Horseman would say “Pretend you are happy, and eventually you'll forget you're pretending.”