THE NOW SOUND

Happiness is “the state of being happy” as stated in the Oxford dictionary… but happiness is so much more than that. It is tied directly to our other feelings of contentment, satisfaction, fulfillment, and joy. I am sure we can all relate to those feelings during different moments of our lives. Watching a sunset on the beach, seeing the completion of a big project that I put my heart and soul into, my first kiss, are all prime examples of happiness that I have experienced.

The pursuit of happiness is a never ending journey because we arrive at this destination only to leave again. I know I am constantly trying to find my way there and to stay for as long as I can. Sometimes I question why I can’t just be happy all the time? It’s for the same reasons that the sun sets and the moon rises and that the tides turn. It must.

There are times when happiness can easily be found and there are others when I have to try really hard to find it. I have had days that turned into months and eventually turned to years where I thought I would never feel happy again. Wherever you may find yourself at this moment, just know that you ARE currently on your pursuit and if you let yourself, you will get to the destination.

To be content is where I started. It was my step one. Being to be able to define what “being content” is in your perspective can be a challenge so I started with contentment towards my environment. Looking at myself was a challenge that I was not ready to take on in my state. Instead I looked at the sky. I saw the beauty in the deep blue and the softness of the clouds. I would go on walks and appreciate the single leaf on the branch of a tree. As I would lie in my bed, I would feel grateful that it supported my weight when I could not support myself. Little by little, the world didn’t seem as dim as I perceived it.

Finding satisfaction took more out of me. I had to forgive those who had hurt me. Some hurt me fully on purpose. I could not tell you why but it happens a lot especially when you are going through high school. In my case, it was elementary school when I started to get bullied. Others never meant to hurt you but still end up doing so anyways. I had to learn that during my first break up. Although it’s always nice to get an apology, sometimes you will never get that from your attackers and have to learn to close that chapter before you can move on. Mindfully, I had to say out loud, “I forgive you for…” in order to make peace with my feeling towards them. More importantly than forgiving others, I really had to forgive myself. Someone once told me that you are your worst critic and they hit the nail right on the head with this statement. No matter what you may believe about yourself, talk to yourself kindly and give yourself a break! The world is hard enough as it is.

There is a point where contentment all of a sudden feels like complacent and life calls for deeper meaning. This is when fulfillment is needed. Although life is good and there is nothing inherently bad about your situation, you may feel that you have the capacity for more. For me, it was to be able to help others through tough times in their lives. When it comes to making money, a big goal that we all set for ourselves, we think that the more we make, the more full we feel. I challenge you to think of this: what would you want to do with all that money you make? It’s that question that became a catalyst for me to see something deeper and made me question my true values. Is making money worth it if you hate what you have to do to get it? Could my needs be met if I did something I love instead? Maybe you have financial obligation to keep at your job in order to do the things you really love. There is no right or wrong, only the answers you hold.

Lastly, happiness is found in joy! I see it when friends laugh together at dinner or parents watch their little baby take their first steps. It’s when you hold the door open for someone and they say thank you.

When you find yourself in moments like these, you made it. You chose to pursue happiness and you found it! Recognize it and be thankful. It will not be there forever but enjoy it when you can.