5 ways to find happiness

The other day a friend and I were talking.
She said "All I want is to be happy." 
"And what would make you really happy?" I asked.
She thought for two minutes and then discovered she really did not know!
"Shopping? Watching a movie? Partying? What is it?" I persisted. Ever since I have turned into a full time author, the motivation behind people's inclination  to do (or not do) certain things intrigue me more than ever before.

 She said that all of it was important, but the happiness those things gave her were only temporary. "But happiness indeed is a temporary emotion," I said, the quasi-philosophical streak in me, making its guest appearance, sensing an opportune moment. We concluded that we can be content even if we cannot be happy all the time. And a positive attitude really adds spark to life.

 Later, when I thought about it, I felt that people by nature are either pooh-bears, Eeyores or Tiggers :) If you do not know who they are, I suggest you read winnie-the-pooh :P :)

And if you want to know which one you are, I suggest you take this personality quiz.

I was almost certain that I was a Tigger, but it turns out I am actually a pooh bear. (It's not that one is better than the other. It is just what your nature is)

Irrespective of whether you are a Tigger or a Pooh-bear, there are definitely a few things we can do to lead a more fulfilling, happy life.

1.Make time for your hobbies:
 Just as physical exercise is a tonic for the body, hobbies are indeed 'necessary medicine' for a stressed out mind. It clears fatigue, leaves you in a calmer state of mind and who knows it can even be an alternate career! Really.  Not kidding.


2.Surround yourself with happy, positive people:

Some people do leave us feeling great. It is wonderful to be around people whose outlook is cheery and upbeat. Almost all of us can think of that one person, talking to whom instantly lifts our spirits. Associate with more such people and seek their company.

 While at workplace, we cannot really control who we have to deal with, we can indeed focus on our reaction towards the 'grouches'. Give them a warm smile--especially if they do not deserve it. (Yeah, hard I know, when all you feel like doing is smashing that file on their heads).  But a smile truly helps.




3. Audit your physical surroundings:

Clutter is something that makes me unhappy. I like neat happy spaces. I love plants and flowers. I love books. I love Art. So I have done up my home accordingly.

I  also have a private sanctuary in my home (a small room) which is done up exactly the way I want. It has many paintings gifted by my friend Niall (who is an amazing Artist) 

 and I TREASURE one specific original piece of art which he gifted me, which took him more than 150 hours to make.
It also has a paintings by other artist friends who gifted me their original work , apart from a few other personal things which make me happy. Needless to say, this room also houses my beloved antique writing desk and all my art stuff, apart from a comfy couch which opens out to become a cozy bed. The entire room is done is calming shades of blue. This room is my sacred space and it is solely mine. Create a space for yourself which is your alone. It is an investment for your happiness.

4.Invest in your health:

Health is indeed wealth. Invest in it. Hard work, I know but it will pay rich dividends in later life. When I think about my friends in their sixties and seventies who have energy levels which is more than people half their age have, I am so motivated to be like them. A common thing they all have--they are very conscious of their physical health and are all really fit.
Your body is a temple which houses your soul. (sorry if that is profound). Take care of it and it will serve you well.




5.Let Go:

Friend walked away? Let go. (but analyse and see what went wrong)
Spouse picked a fight with your parents? Let go. (but talk it over when you are both calmer)
Children not listening to you? Let go. (Every battle need not be won)
Not recognised at work? Let go.  (but look at other options)

The basic thing I am trying to say is we can only do so much and there is only that much which is in our control really.
The faster we accept that and faster we let go, happier we will be.

Think about it!

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ps: My third book 'Tea for two and a piece of cake' is number two on Asian Age top selling fiction list.