What if I say that problems are happiness? Because, why not? I mean we live in a world so full of binaries. There is good; there is bad. There is sadness; there is happiness. We only feel the good part because the bad part exists.
(Picture was taken by me in 2025, reusing it)
WAIT!
But what is even this happiness?
Valid question isn't it? Like what actually this thing is? I can only figure out the solution when I know the problem. Without the cause there is no findings. However, the problem is happiness is not something with a fixed value. Maybe, for me, happiness is just a cup of tea in the morning, and that too empty stomach. And, for you, it is the dumbest thing to feel happy. Of course, rationally this can result in tons of health issues.
Simply speaking, happiness is someting which has no destination at all. It is the meaning we give to certain moments that make us feel lively.
Let me state another example. These last two-days, I have been on a family tour. Away from all the wordly problems and experiences. And I was the happiest. There were moments, when I wanted to stop the time. I just did not want to go back to the usual routine again. But believe me, as of me, I do not think the same way. Because, if that happiness of being together all day long, and doing nothing, will result in no goodness. Deep down I know, this certain happiness will - ultimately - become a problem itself.
By far, we have established two beautiful facts: firstly, binary results in happiness; secondly, it varies from person to person.
Now on to the main question: "how to be happy."
Just be happy. Lol, I am just messing around. Personally, I do not care much about my problems. And there are several reasons behind this ideology.
Being a dead fish
I do not have fixed goals. Sounds strange, right? I believe that if I have fixed goals; I am already away from the happiness. I will be spending most of my time worrying about chasing those goals, and will cease to exist as an emotional being. Sometimes, this things really results in collateral damage. Because sometimes, it leads toward nihillistic thinking. I just starts to hate life to its cores. But that feeling too fades away, pretty easily. A dead fish does not worry about anything. Because, it knows the water will carry it somewhere. And hey, remember one thing: this dead fish is mostly related to goal orientation. Be alive, be healthy, be full of emotions. Do not take it literally.
Little things; big joy
Not running behind fixed goals, results in happiness. I can create my own happiness. It can be as little as watching an ant do its work, or as big as saving the world. Do not expect too big, and take this world as chaotically beautiful.
Be a psychatrist
Of course not an actual psychiatrist. I do not want anyone taking medical advice from a person whose professional habit is drinking tea on an empty stomach. But damn, this thing really works. So what you have to do is to listen to others. Maybe read about others. This thing always works out for me. Because, whenever I listen to someone else's problem; I always forgets about mine. I believe, I am a soft-hearted person. You share your grief with me once, I will be remembring you in my prayers for the rest of life.
Here comes the religion
We may not share the same religion. But, dear human, I can assure you of one thing - every religion talks about humanity and harmony. And this religion thing is quite confusing for me. I have always been a religious person. But recently, I find myself closer to it than before. However, I am still quite rational about this whole phenomenon. A verse from God is enough to make me happy. But I will be working for that happiness. Simply put, happiness is activity.
Escapism
This might be the second strongest thing for me. Whenever, I feel low, I simply escape from the problem. It may not be the direct source of happiness. But, after some time, it really results in betterment. So you guys out there, do not overthink negatively. Just roam freely with your thoughts for a time being. And you will find peace and happiness.
Fight with the Devil
Now be real, escapism is not the permanent solution. Because, it does help with escaping for a time being. But, it is not going to cure the illness. For that you will have to deal with the devil - the problem - itself. Bit harder, but you really have to discuss with your ownself. So have a talk with yourself, imagine every worst possible scenario and make your way out. It will hurt, it will hurt greatly. But believe me, there is always a solution for a problem. There is always happiness waiting for you, waiting patiently for you to forsee it.
Maybe, then, happiness is not the opposite of suffering. Because, these two seem strangely dependent on one another. And when I say, life is chaotically beautiful, I believe that it contains problem and happiness at the same time. The only problem is that we expect life to exist without it.
In the end, find something live for, to be happy for, and keep on finding. We all deserve to be sad and happy. Let those little moments of happiness overcome the harsh grievances.
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Peace 🕊️
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This is my entry for IndiaUnited Contest.
Geo or Jeena do. (Live and let live.)
