THROUGHOUT human history, the search for meaning has been an unwavering pursuit for human beings. At the heart of this journey lies the pursuit of happiness, which arises from the choices we make in our quest for life’s objectives. The purpose of life revolves around the sphere of happiness. Life is a pendulum that keeps swinging between the poles of sadness and happiness. Happiness is a thought and an idea that has different connotations in different cultures. It is the most precious jewel and humans struggle to attain this in life until they confront the reality of death. For a few people, happiness is an accumulation of money. For many others, it is an accumulation of power. However, some people drive happiness by serving others. So, the worldly meaning of happiness is subjective. But its real definition involves a completely different comprehension.
Nevertheless, the true essence of happiness encompasses a wholly distinct factor. The path to happiness is straightforward yet challenging to follow. Happiness, in reality, is a completely distinct idea. The pursuit of happiness involves following a path that promotes the common good. And it can never be achieved by adopting a self-centred path. Unlike a commodity acquired through material wealth, true happiness emanates from within one’s soul, making it a matter of choice rather than a transaction. In the quest for lasting contentment, it is crucial to establish a deep connection with our inner selves, as this profound truth emphasizes.
Happiness, a multi-faceted notion, unveils itself in diverse dimensions of our lives. To venture towards the kingdom of happiness, one must learn the need to sacrifice for others. The conquest of becoming a better human necessitates making choices that involve personal relinquishment. It is in these selfless acts that the seeds of happiness are planted. Life, however, is not without its share of adversity. The hardships and disappointments that pepper our existence can obscure the pursuit of happiness. Yet, adversity is not an insurmountable obstacle; rather, it serves as a hidden door to happiness. When individuals summon the strength to overcome life’s adversities, they often find that happiness is concealed behind these very challenges all along.
In our journey through life, purpose serves as a lighthouse of hope and a wellspring of immediate happiness. An absolute goal, whether personal or professional, provides a sense of direction and fulfillment. It ignites our determination and offers us glimpses of happiness along the way, reinforcing the idea that the pursuit of purpose is intrinsically tied to the pursuit of happiness. Moreover, peace of mind, often considered as the mother of happiness, demands nothing more than living life within the bounds of morality. In a world filled with noise and distraction, inner peace can be difficult to attain. However, when we adhere to a code of ethics and act by our values, a sense of tranquillity envelops us, establishing the route for true happiness to flourish.
Yet, happiness fades away if it finds itself engulfed by the vices that prevail in this world. Envy, a harmful force, casts a shadow over our pursuit of happiness. It nibbles away at the fragile fabric of contentment and festers in the hearts of those who covet what others possess. To bask in the warm glow of happiness, it is imperative to rid oneself of the poison of envy and focus instead on one’s unique journey. Intriguingly, happiness is not a solitary pursuit. It thrives and excels in the act of generosity. The core of happiness lies in turning humble towards others, for it is in respecting humanity that we amplify our dignified presence in the world. The belief that happiness is a scarce resource to be stored is a misconception. It is found in abundance. We only need to recognize the blessed path to extract it.
As we traverse the winding path of existence, let us remember that happiness is not elusive but resides within us, waiting to be awakened by our choices and priorities. It is a journey that unfolds with each decision we make, each sacrifice we bear, and each moment we share with others. By embracing the pursuit of happiness as a natural part of our humanity, we discover that this journey, with all its twists and turns, is indeed the essence of life itself. The modern world possesses all the features of a developed lifestyle. However, in the search for happiness, human beings seem to have lost their connection to their soul, placing themselves in a constant struggle to acquire happiness. Humans are ensnared in the wicked web of comparisons and competitions, causing depression and delusion to themselves. The true meaning of happiness has been tainted by the modern world, causing the young generation to link it with materialistic aspirations.
Our forefathers had lived a better life even without witnessing the modernity the world has achieved today. The advancements human beings have achieved until today have turned them into souls with wicked intentions that constantly seek happiness without recognizing that it requires the acceptance of what we have and a thought about how can we improve without harming others. Happiness is an emotional state, derived from the choices and priorities that shape our lives. It is a perpetual voyage, not a definite destination with a set endpoint.
The pursuit of happiness demands an ongoing dialogue with our inner selves, an acknowledgment of the sacrifices that pave the way, and a commitment to living by our values. It calls for resilience in the face of adversity and the dissolution of envy’s corrosive grip. Most significantly, it calls us to brighten our happiness, to shine light on the lives of others in our pursuit of enduring contentment. Happiness is a seed that is hidden within our bodies and minds. The only thing it necessitates to flourish is a fertile ground free from the vices of jealousy, and animosity, and brimming with blossoms of tranquillity, affection, and an optimistic mindset. If we fail to acknowledge this, we will constantly search for happiness in the wrong direction, unaware of the fact that it is concealed within ourselves.
—The writer is CSS Officer, based in Sargodha.
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