Happiness, gladness or joy is a mental or emotional
state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from
contentment to intense joy.
However, no one knows what happiness really means, because every one has
a different meaning to it. I believe that happiness comes both from within and
from the people you surround yourself with. Everyone these days seems to share
this very precise advice according to which you should only be with people that
are optimistic, positive and can elevate your spirit. Good, good, but what
about the rest of us? Should we be ignored? How can you tell someone to cut the
negativist people out of their life, when probably that someone is keeping
their head above water? Don’t judge the unhappy – scratch that, don’t judge at
all. If they didn’t make peace with themselves, get their mind off of it –
vodka always helps – don’t just abandon them, because that most certainly is
not what they need.
You should always guard your happiness – that is if you’ve found it.
Though, do not overlook the ones struggling with it. Being comfortable with
yourself is an accurate way to improve your mental state. I, for one, have
always been content with spending time alone, drifting through my thoughts.
This could have lead to low points, but sometimes, just sometimes, to a state
of gratitude and contentment. Truthfully, the outcome is not something you can
control, that’s why, you have to seek that feeling outside your bubble. And
happiness does not come just by being joyful and energetic around other people.
It can come from a sense of intimacy and shared feelings that you experience in
the presence of another being, just by talking about your miseries in life and
empathizing with each other.
My point is, happiness does not always come form a heavenly place –
especially for smart asses. As Hemingway used to say, happiness in
intelligent people is the rarest thing I know. For insecure/uncertain smart
people, the probability is even lower. It’s like you’ve always wanted
to be somebody, but you realize you should have been more specific. And
from that derives self-loathing and an endless string of frustrations. Is that
to say those people should be ignored just because they might ruin your
happiness? But what if you can actually, genuinely, selflessly can help them
and that would bring you more joy and satisfaction than you could dream of. Is
it worth the risk?
PS: I recommend a depressing
series for happy people, or the other way around – Happyish.
PPS: Lie down, try not to cry,
cry a lot – or a video on
how you should call your mother right now because she is probably the only
human that loves you unconditionally. Just do it!
