Real Happiness

Just had a discussion about the relationship between age and happiness from VOA news with one of my student last night. It is one of the interesting topics that I had during the class. Well, happiness and age these are two things that are precious to man’s existence. As I internalize the title before uttering some words to my student, I asked myself “Am I happy at my age now? Maybe, yes? I think I am happier when I was a little kid because I don’t have to think of anything but only chocolates and candies.” Since I am now facing young adulthood, there are countless things that have been going on in my mind. I have to think and oftentimes worried about future, career, life, being stable and all. My age doesn’t stop and keeps on increasing day by day. Every time I wake up in the morning there’s a sound that I could hear saying, “Hey girl, you’re one day older than yesterday! How far you’ve gone now?” Urgh, bitter I have to close my eyes and sigh, its reality! We have to admit that we cannot stop the time, we can’t stop our age from increasing and we can’t stop chasing opportunities. So maybe, it’s basic and I guess normal people usually worries and think about it too.
Going back, I tried to throw that question back to my student. I asked, “Are you happy now?” She said cheerfully and proudly, “Yes, of course!” My left eyebrow raised and cheerfully replied “Good for you!” Behind my mind, I was thinking that she is still a teenager and maybe she didn’t experience the life of a real world yet. I told her “Could you tell me what happiness is?” I was expecting that she would give me the literal or some technical meaning of happiness, being defined in dictionaries as a feeling. I was so surprised when she answered me with a bright face, “Happiness for me, are my family, my relatives, friends and all the people that surround me. I am happy because I could meet new people and talk to them. I am happy living each day; I can breathe and have freedom. I have the people’s support, I am happy because I also met you as my teacher.” I smiled and realized that I almost forget the true meaning of happiness.
She made a point! Happiness, no matter how old you are you can obtain it if you just try to appreciate every little thing that you have in your life. It is all about satisfaction, being satisfied and grateful for the things that you have now and to the things that you might not have. It is not about worrying about age and future but it is all about thinking of the present and creating things, which you think, is the best. Sometimes, we feel alone, sad and wary but we need to cheer up because we have the love and support of the people around us. We may feel down; however, we need to remind ourselves that we are lucky enough to have and be in our life. Happiness doesn’t just come through age; it’s actually a choice that you have to make at your age!
Colored and inspired by my family, friends and a bear!

Xoxo,

Arlinspires