We all seek happiness. No one wants to suffer—that’s obvious. But why aren’t we happy every day, every second of our lives? We try to capture happiness by buying new things, traveling to exotic places, indulging in delicious food, attending shows and movies. Yet each time, it becomes harder to attain. New possessions bring us less joy than before; new destinations no longer excite us as they once did. We feel nostalgic about the delightful candies from our childhood, but when we taste them now, they’re not as magical as we remember.
At the same time, we notice people around us who don’t have much money or thrilling jobs, yet they seem genuinely happy. Why is that?
I’ve pondered this question for a while. I observed the people around me and, more importantly, reflected on myself. I tried to understand what makes me happy and what brings happiness to others. I considered the connection between possessions, actions, life events, and happiness. It wasn’t easy to figure out.
As a child, I was happy without fancy toys. I played with my friends in the dirt, and life was good. I was also happy when I finally got some cool toys. I felt immense joy from a small piece of chocolate and a cup of coffee after a grueling five-hour hike. I was ecstatic when I bought my first car. My first travel adventure filled me with exhilaration—everything around me was so exciting!
But over time, new toys, more chocolate bars, new cars, and additional countries didn’t make me happier. I thought and thought, and eventually, I realized something: we confuse happiness with joy. We pursue happiness by chasing joy, and that’s our big mistake.
Joy depends on the outside world—it relies on things, events, and other people. And joy is fleeting. That’s why after buying something new, we feel a burst of excitement, but a few days later, we’re unhappy again. The same goes for traveling and attending events. It’s like a drug—we need more and more, and each dose has to be bigger to achieve the same level of joy. We become accustomed to it.
But pure happiness is entirely different. It’s inside our minds. It doesn’t require anything from the outside world. That’s why you can see smiling, happy people who, by our standards, shouldn’t be happy at all—they might be poor, live in developing countries, and lack the material possessions we deem essential.
After this insight, I began to recall moments of true happiness in my life. I quickly noticed that it wasn’t about chocolate bars, new cars, or exciting trips. All the genuinely happy moments were when I was fully present—in the moment. It’s easy to feel the difference. When you’re truly happy, it’s like a calm ocean within you—a profound, enduring feeling that lasts. Joy, on the other hand, is like a waterfall—rushing and tumultuous, crashing down and breaking into tiny droplets.
After experiencing joy, you often feel emptiness, sometimes even depression. And as soon as that happens, you start searching for new things to give you another hit of joy.
But with happiness, you don’t need any of that. Because it’s inside you—you already possess it. All you need to do is calm your thoughts, quiet the noisy voice inside your head, focus on the present moment, and feel the happiness that’s already there.
I bet you’ve felt it before. Do you remember that feeling when you’re engrossed in a book, sitting in a cozy chair, or watching a bonfire on a beach? Can you recall that calm and peaceful sensation inside you? That’s your inner happiness—that’s living in the moment.
So, do you want to stop this endless chase for joy and start experiencing true happiness? If you do, take a seat and calm your mind. The past is gone; it doesn’t exist anymore. The future hasn’t arrived yet; all we have is the present. Try to quiet all the thoughts swirling inside your mind. Breathe slowly, focusing on your breath. This is a simple form of meditation. It’s not about spirituality; it’s about connecting with your own physiology.
Breathe and focus on it. Observe the world around you. Don’t think—just see. Listen to the sounds, watch the world unfold, and feel your breath. As your internal chatter and worried thoughts subside, a sense of peace and happiness will rise within you. It takes practice, but it’s worth it. Because you can find your happiness today.
Remember, happiness isn’t something you find outside of yourself; it’s something you cultivate within. By embracing the present moment and quieting the noise in your mind, you open the door to true, lasting happiness. So why not start now?
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