What is the essence of life really, we cry, laugh, smile, burn, feel anger, exude rage, then we are…happy? Let us talk about happiness. In the most recent rankings for happiness, Nigeria ranks 103 amongst the 156 countries surveyed. If you ask me that does not sound happy at all but then I wonder how they came to that conclusion. Happiness does not depend on circumstances, objects, or events. It is an inseparable part of your consciousness, of your essence, and comes out when your mind is free from disturbing and constant thinking. Most Nigerians can testify to the hardship rained on us nowadays.
Okay back to where we started, I have a friend who is a lot older than I am, I fell in love with his way of life not because I want to live that way but because of the results and how it makes him feel. He always says ‘You are the only one that can make yourself a happy baby and you have to be selfish about it’. If you know him, you will absolutely believe it.
Happiness is from within, it is something you have to decide on because the world poisoned with so much hate already nobody has it to offer. Remember happiness is perspective dependent that means what makes you happy might not make the next person happy. Let’s do the cliche, let’s share tips on how to be happy;
Look at the bright side of every situation
This is not difficult. In every situation, there must be something good, happy, or amusing. Why not focus on it?
Your mind might drag you down, to think about negativity and difficulties, because that’s how it is accustomed to thinking. Don’t let it.
Endeavor to change the way you look at things, focusing more on the bright side of life.
Focus on how to solve problems
I was watching my favorite channel CNN yesterday and guess what? In an interview Amanpour was conducting i realized the UAE (the United Arab Emirates) has a Minister for Happiness, I know–it shocked me too. I wonder what she would be doing? But look at this, they probably figured they needed that portfolio and it worked for them as they are the happiest country in the middle east. It is very easy to find problems and difficulties everywhere because it requires nothing, but a negative attitude. Instead of focusing on the problems, focus on solutions.
Don’t take things to heart
In my article about bullies, I wrote about how bullies are angry with their selves so they try to make everyone else sad like them by raining rage everywhere they go. So trust me darling most times when people say things to you, their words are empty just like them–so it is safe to say, it is them not you. Also, do your best to stay a little detached when things do not progress as want them to progress.
Don’t allow negative remarks or behavior affect your mind and feelings. You might not succeed the first, second or third time, but if you are persistent, you will eventually succeed.
Detachment will help you stay calm and control your moods and reaction
Always think positive
Whenever you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts, change them to pleasant thoughts. Do this time and again, with time it just becomes a lifestyle. How? Prefer to watch funny comedies that make you laugh, rather than thrillers and violent movies, especially before bedtime.
Pause for a moment to count your achievements
Often, we start the day with the intention of completing several goals or tasks, but we are unable to complete them.
At the end of the day, you might feel frustrated and unhappy, because you haven’t been able to do all of those things.
It would be wise to be more reasonable and use common sense, instead of deciding without thinking. When you set more reasonable goals and tasks, you have less chance of being disappointed and unhappy.
Don’t let frustration, and the inability to carry out everything you set out to do to ruin your happiness. Focus on what you have already accomplished. This will awaken satisfaction and a sense of happiness.
Then finally, listen to music
It is said that music is the language of the soul. Listen often, to relaxing music, or any kind of music that uplifts your spirit. For me, it is Jess Glynne, Sia, Justin Beiber, Years and Years, Sam Smith, Drake, Kanye, and few others I can’t remember now. So darling find what you love, do what makes you happy and let it kill you–it would be a beautiful death.