Lack of Happiness - Essay Example

?Option 2 Happiness Honestly, I think that I am not that much of a happy person. There have been many situations when I felt so sad. I did not usually show it because I did not want people to worry. I am also afraid that others would think of me as overly sensitive. There have been days when I tried to repeatedly ask myself why exactly I was feeling so low. Without any apparent reason, depression sometimes haunts me. These sad moods may last for a few minutes or hours. The low moments may also recur throughout the day. The feeling is best described by darkness, drudgery, and emptiness. Everything around me just appears so dull and dreary as if I am not truly existing, like a shadow. Actually, there have been instances when I thought of dying. I saw it as a way of escaping my current dilemma. Understandably, engaging in active activities is quite challenging. It is like being shackled and burdened with a heavy yoke. During the occurrence of these low moments, I try to help myself by engaging in different kinds of interventions. I have actually tried several kinds of tips. What I do is usually dependent on where I am and what I am into at that time. For example, if I am just at home, I often browse for funny videos or comedy shows. I specifically like watching America’s Funniest Videos and How I Met Your Mother. Though some scenes are not really that funny, I can always expect that at least one situation will make me smile or laugh. Sometimes, I try to eat comfort foods such as dark chocolates, ice cream, and chips. When opportunity permits, I force myself to engage in strenuous activities until I sweat. I have heard that exercise can raise the body’s endorphins, thereby raising positive emotions. Another intervention is finding human connection. For instance, I log in to Facebook and chat with online friends or try to make catchy comments on my friends’ photos. Though the aforementioned techniques can indeed elevate my mood, the effects do not necessarily last long. In addition, the intensity of the mood improvement is not that compelling. One of the methods that I have discovered to be significantly effective is giving. I experienced this in church when I gave my offering. Instead of giving just any amount that I feel like giving, I gave the same sum with that of my tithes. This multiplied my usual offering by 9-10 times. The moment that I put my money in the envelope, a surge of positivity went through me. I was proud of myself that I could highly think of others, even if it meant foregoing my usual provisions. It was a decision of faith and trust. Though it was a difficult decision to let go, I felt that I have invested in my happiness. A similar experience made me smile for quite some time. While waiting for my turn to pay my bill in a cafeteria, I saw a younger relative with his friend having lunch. When I noticed that they did not have any beverage, I bought two extra fruit juices for them. As I was going out, I served them their drinks. I was about to go to an appointment at that time, so I just said a quick hello and told them to enjoy their meal. As I was going out, I could feel their eyes on my back. I could not help but notice the big smile being created on my face. I was with that smile all the way to my destination and even traces of it until that night. It was exciting to see surprised faces caused by my trivial and spontaneous acts of kindness. It made me happy to see others get unexpectedly pleased. If people would ask my opinion on happiness, I would say that it is a temporary state of acceptance, peace, elation, or amazement. It is ridiculous to think that one can be happy for every second of his life. Everybody can have his bits of happiness in a myriad of ways. On different levels and because of varied reasons, this much sought after emotion may be felt. However, the truest happiness is the one that is more difficult to achieve. From my experience, I can say that the most genuine bliss comes out from sacrifice. One can ultimately feel happy through selfless acts and thoughts. Generally, I have realized that letting go is the pill for sadness. If a bitter individual would let go of his grudges and hang-ups in life, he would have acceptance and serenity. Moreover, if a forlorn lover could let go of his irreconcilable relationship, this could finally make him move on and focus on the present. Many minds suffer because of dwelling in the past. It makes people agonize with disappointments, frustrations, and seemingly overwhelming episodes of yearning. Similarly, true happiness can be felt when one becomes sincerely generous. Being charitable and generous makes a person consider and support others. Selfless mindsets help in distracting narcissistic contemplations as well as irrational and negative emotions. When one shifts his attention to individuals other than himself, he can recognize that the world is much more meaningful and diverse than his personal apprehensions. It takes courage to be happy. I could not have recovered from bouts of melancholy without initiative. Indeed, it is tempting to do nothing and just remain in the darkness. The pull of wallowing in the comforts of despondency may be too strong. Most of the time, simply succumbing to misery is the leisureliest path. These cowardly and selfish preferences are akin to drowning problems in the bottle or taking illegal drugs. A considerable amount of bravery is required to get over these damaging sentiments. Starting with a spirited paradigm shift from hopelessness to optimism, a spark of promise will be ignited. The next step is to summon more audacity in putting thoughts into words and actions. It takes mettle to make selfless acts despite the gravity of depression. Finally, there must be a strong commitment to practice munificence. Hence, no quitter can truly be happy. Read More