Happiness is zen ♡

Happiness.

It's what most of us strive to find and keep, even when the definition of it is as vague as ever. Nobody is 24/7 happy and jolly all the time, but of course, some people are really lucky to be more fulfilled than others. 

I've decided to write something on this topic as I myself had a hard time understanding this. I did not appreciate contentment just as much as I thought I did and I've always yearned to maintain every bit of happiness that I have. Happiness has little to do with materialistic needs, goods, or wants, or high achievement; it boils down to your outlook on life, the quality of your relationships, and basic amenities like good governance and community resources although the latter might be harder to achieve.

I shall list down a few things that I've found to be very helpful in maintaining the key to being or staying happy. Bear in mind though, what's sunshine without a little rain?

The most simple yet commonly ignored key to happiness is that one should;

Live in the present, for it is the only moment you have. Do cherish moments that has happened but don't let negativity from the past haunt you. Take them as lessons well learned and make sure you really learned from them and keep your attention on what is here and now. 

What we should do next is always, Be Optimistic. No matter what happens, always keep in mind that things will get better. You can't always expect things to stay the same way for good. Life is but a rollercoaster ride. It's how you think that will affect your happiness mostly.

Clear all thoughts of negativity. Accept and embrace your habits and personality but learn from mistakes on how to change them. Be comfortable in your own skin and don't change yourself just to fit in as you might just lose yourself one day and feel worse than you did before. Always have a balance of what to give in and when to stand your grounds. You do not need external approval. You alone are the judge of your worth, but never ever think you're too good for everybody. Moderation is the key. Accept that nothing in this world is perfect, not you nor them. And learn to embrace that. There is great freedom in this realization. 

Sometimes it's okay to walk away. Although this may be the toughest thing to do (well, it was for me). It's truly the most giving thing you can give to yourself. Drop the burden of any stressful situations that doesn't play an important part in your life. Don't overthink it and just shut that chapter out. You will feel so much more happier and all those stress would just seep out of your life. For example, I always felt uncomfortable with my Facebook, I felt like there's too many people who didn't know me well enough on it and are judging me for every single thing I'm doing. One night, I just decided to delete them off my Facebook. I was worried that, that would send out a negative message but what was the difference anyway? These people were already judging me. After the 'spring cleanning' I've never felt better. I felt like the burden of walking on glass lifted off my shoulders. Excuse me for being melodramatic but we do live in a century where people can get anything about you (regardless if it's true or not, through the internet). 

Of course, no actions comes without any repercussions. I had a few minor misunderstandings regarding my action but it only takes a few minutes to explain them and people who are worth it would understand and forgive. If they can't take it, too bad then. That's why you deleted them off in the first place anyways.

Another thing very important to me is staying close to friends and family. These people know you inside out and still love you anyways. They tell you how it is not to hurt your feelings but to see you get better. These are the people you should trust and invest time and love in. Have deep, meaningful conversations with them. Not only does it improves the relationship but it also increases happiness. So the next time you're going round in circles with someone, just cut right to the chase. You'll be glad you did it.

Once you've learned how to love yourself, compassion is the next best thing you can do that will add on to your happiness. Compassion is all about doing something kind for someone in need, or someone less privileged than yourself. Wouldn't it make you happy when you make someone elses day?

Last but not least, always stop and smell the flowers! Life is many things but if you don't take a break and look around, you'll miss out on all things good. Appreciate the smaller things in life, learn to be thankful for them.


With that, I wish you guys the best and be happy!
♡