Happiness is the most sought-after emotion. It is the reason for the existence of all beings. Happiness is not confined to the human world alone. Animals and even plants seem to display happiness.
A young child is happy when it is well fed and becomes sad when it is hungry. Even adults succumb to the pleasures of food and associate this with happiness. A bar of chocolate, an ice cream treat, or a sumptuous spread at a buffet all bring happiness.
People are happiest when they are having a meal and some drink. Plants that are watered and are given enough nutrients will grow happily.
Clothing and accessories to bring happiness. Toys and gadgets, presents, and red packets bring untoward joy. Even a pet cat or dog will show its happiness at being given a toy or plaything. A ball of wool or a plastic bone is all it takes.
Then, there is the house and the car, holidays abroad, a simple picnic, or even a movie that evokes happiness. Happiness is found in obtaining material things or indulging in recreational activities. However, many are still not happy with all these trappings of luxury. Why? Well, it all boils down to the individual. Money can buy happiness to a certain extent but when all is achieved, obtained, and bought, there comes a time for the true sense of happiness.
Many have sought it in ashrams and from wise men, but all it takes is an act of kindness and sharing. True happiness is eventually not in the receiving, possessing, and getting but in the giving. Giving time, things, labor to those around us, loved ones or strangers is the true happiness that lives on in our lives. Making others happy is the core of being happy. It doesn’t have to be grand or expensive but has to be sincere and thoughtful. As Mark Twain once said, ‘The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. So, go out there and cheer someone up!
