Ultimate Currency - Happiness

Shivangi Mandal

Pursuing happiness is often like chasing a mirage, the more you hunt, the farther it appears. In today's high-paced, hyper-competitive world, the meaning of happiness is somewhat materialistic. What we’ve been taught “Work Hard” -> “Success” -> “Happiness”. But is it true? We have unknowingly entered a never ending cycle of running after success. The thought of failing in any phase of our life itself is daunting.

?But, despite all the riches, achieving true happiness remains elusive for many. The question here arise is, is happiness really an abstract concept? What if not and it could also be cultivated and nurtured, to become the most lucrative investment of your life? Did you ever wonder why tending to your garden, watching a mesmerizing sunset with your loved ones, trekking on a breathtaking mountain, a magnificent ocean view, or having a scrumptious cuisine so satisfying? Why does it immediately lift up your mood? Did you win a lottery? Nope. You still have the same life & life problems. Then what changed? What’s the science behind it? The answer is - "Happy Hormones" and no it’s not a myth. Studies have shown that happiness is less about external circumstances and more about internal states of mind. Cultivating happiness involves lifestyle choices that promote these happy hormones. Activities like walking, exercising, socializing, meditating, and even expressing gratitude can lead to substantial increase in these hormones, thereby boosting our overall happiness. Yes, we can fool the brain into being happy. And fake it, till you make it is what they say.

?Shawn Achor's, "The Happiness Advantage" unveils how happier employees are more productive, creative, and engaged. In reality, the concept of happiness is total opposite of what we’ve been taught from birth, that is investing in your own happiness can create a positive feedback loop. Greater happiness leads to increased productivity and proactive behaviour, which leads to more achievements and success, generating even more happiness and not the other way around. Invest time and energy in building and nurturing meaningful relationships. Quality trumps quantity. Even if few, but supportive relationships act as a boulder against stress and offer a sense of belonging and purpose. Social connections are the Heartbeat of Happiness for the simple reason that human beings are social creatures. Even in professional world, EQ (emotional quotient) & IQ both have same weightage. EQ enables you to build better relations, resolve conflicts efficiently, and gives you better stress management ability. To maintain these beautiful relations you need EQ which can be enhanced by mindfulness practices.

?But living in the mundane world has its own challenges as well. Although money can’t buy happiness, you still need it to survive. Financial stability can eliminate many stressors. Having enough resources to comfortably meet your needs allows for a more fulfilling life. Nonetheless, focus on achieving financial freedom rather than excessive accumulation by adding stress to your life. Real luxuries of life like beautiful and quite mind, slow mornings, a house full of love not necessarily require being rich. Be more giving. Acts of kindness have ripple effects. Ever heard of the “helper’s high”, a state of euphoria experienced after an act of kindness? It is real and proven, try it to believe it !

?I also believe that one can always leverage a lot from ancient wisdom. Learn from other’s experiences. Like the Bhagavad Gita offers timeless enlightenment on finding and sustaining true happiness. Sharing a few lines from it.. “A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still—can alone achieve peace, and not the person who strives to satisfy such desires.” Which means, one can achieve inner peace by being content and not being swayed by endless desires. May be my words cannot summarise it that beautifully, but we should seldom encash the ancestral wisdom & see how it beautifies our lives.

?Each thread, that is healthy lifestyle, meaningful connections, financial freedom, a purpose-driven life, emotional intelligence, and ancient wisdom when woven together, craft into our happiness. It's the ultimate currency, offering returns that compound over time, enriching not just your life but also the lives of those around you. By investing in your happiness, you're contributing to a more compassionate world.

?So, make happiness your most lucrative endeavour. Invest wisely, nurture diligently, and watch as your world transforms in vibrant, joyful ways that money alone could never buy. Smile… it’s contagious.

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