Dixya Poudel

Is happiness attainable? Are we living a rewarding life? If we are not, we need to create changes in our lifestyle. It is high time we evaluate our work, family and social life and determine whether we are truly happy. Then we ought to strive towards attaining a joyful life.
Psychologists often stress the importance of happiness. The fact is happiness promotes good health and vice versa. Most of us tend to our daily lives putting our health last which needs a drastic re-evaluation. It is important to take care of our mind, body and soul so that we can achieve improved health, a greater lifespan and a quality of life. And people often mistake material success with happiness. While we eagerly strive for material achievements, we tend to overlook our inner happiness.
As for me, happiness is in little moments. It is in reading a book as raindrops patter on the ceiling on rainy days. It is being with my family. Happiness is also a cup of a coffee even on summer days. It is writing down my thoughts, trying to arrange words into meaningful sentences. It is in nature, with its wilderness and beauty. I also find happiness in snatches of beautiful writings of my favourite books. And coming across an exceptional work of art that evokes profound emotions is always a happy moment. Happiness is thus in a myriad of feelings and experiences.
Time and again, we find joy in nature. And we are delighted when we truly connect with fellow human beings. Thus, we travel all over the world, reach out to new people and cultures; take in all the new vistas and sceneries along with new friendships and networks. Social interactions revive us giving us new perspective to life. Further, incorporating empathy adds to our happiness.
And happiness can mean different things to each one of us. For some it might be success in career, some might find it in prospect of love and marriage and others may find it in contributing to the good of society. According to science, happiness is in the chemicals in our brain. When we pursue meaningful and purposeful professions, we ensure that the chemicals fire up our neurons in our brain and rejuvenate us. It is therefore important that we find a purpose in life and work towards its fulfillment.
We can also turn towards meditation and mindfulness to become aware of our thoughts, emotions and feelings and obtain inner calmness. It is necessary that we allocate certain amount of time for ourselves to contemplate and introspect on the quality of our life. Putting our health and happiness first isn't selfishness but an expression of self-love. Perhaps all we need to do is look within ourselves and understand our real nature even as we immerse ourselves in this chaotic world. A moment of clarity in this hectic life will benefit us greatly.
Ultimately, human life is a search and yearning for genuine happiness. Let our lives be an emblem of happy memories that are the result of our incessant effort. Let us live in the present with the faith that happiness is within our reach. In the end, happiness is a choice that we make each day through the minutiae of decisions in our lives.