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As Dalai Lama imparted in one of his sermons, I do believe that the purpose of life is to be truly and irresistibly happy. Period.

A feeling of contentment, joy, and addictive warmth beyond the “whys” and “hows.” And that is what we all seek.

Whenever I’m asked about my life goals, my answer is simple: I just want to be happy.

As I sit down to write this piece, I’m enveloped by a sense of joy that seems to radiate outward, infusing each keystroke with lightness and vitality. There’s a buoyancy in my spirit, as if the very act of writing is filled with a sense of delight. It is a reminder that true happiness isn’t just a fleeting emotion but a state of being that permeates every moment, filling even the simplest tasks with a sense of wonder and delight.

Did you know “How can I be happy?” is one of the most googled questions? Happiness is a universal pursuit, but what if I told you that the key to unlocking joy lies in unexpected places―some surprising connections that may just change the way we view happiness forever.

Happiness is often equated with pleasure, success, and fulfilment of our desires. We believe that once we achieve a certain goal, acquire a specific possession, or fulfil a particular dream, we will finally be happy in life. However, this pursuit of external validation and material gratification often leaves us feeling unfulfilled, restless, and perpetually chasing after the next source of fleeting satisfaction.

“You need nothing to be happy – you need something to be sad.” ~ Mooji

Looking inwards rather than outward for validations

Genuine happiness cannot be found by constantly seeking ways or means to feel happy. Nothing outside of us can make us happy. Nothing. Not even our most precious possession like a desired car or even human connections, be it a partner, parent, or a child.

Authentic happiness comes from within ourselves. While interactions with others may bring moments of joy and contentment, genuine happiness comes from being aligned with our own truth and inner self­―or as my coach says, “being surrendered to the sweet space in our hearts.” And once this awareness comes in, all relationships become more fulfilling.

Finding meaning can lead to lasting happiness

At its essence, happiness is about living a life of purpose and meaning—a life that aligns with our core values, beliefs, and aspirations. It is about pursuing activities, relationships, and endeavours that bring us joy, fulfilment, and a sense of purpose. Research has shown that individuals who lead purpose-driven lives tend to experience greater overall well-being and life satisfaction. By finding meaning in what we do, whether it’s through our careers, hobbies, or personal relationships, we cultivate a deep sense of purpose that fuels our happiness.

Living in gratitude

Gratitude is like a magical superpower. It helps us stay strong when things get tough, see the bright side of life, and feel closer to the people around us. When we practice gratitude, it makes us happier, more resilient, and better at connecting with others. By actively acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in our lives, we train our minds to focus on the positive aspects, even in challenging situations. This shift in perspective not only strengthens our ability to bounce back from adversity but also enables us to see opportunities for growth and connection.

The social secret

Our relationships with others play a crucial role in our overall happiness. Having good friends and a supportive social circle makes us feel like we belong, gives us a shoulder to lean on, and adds joy to our lives. Research even shows that people with strong friendships tend to be happier and healthier. Plus, when we do something nice for others, it makes us feel happy too! So, let’s spread kindness and enjoy the happiness it brings.

Laugh through life

Laughter is considered an effective remedy and with good cause. The act of laughing releases endorphins, our body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which can help to reduce stress, boost our immune system, and improve our mood. To find joy in every moment, to embrace laughter as a companion on our journey, and to face challenges with a smile―a gentle reminder to not take ourselves too seriously and to infuse each day with lightness and humour. So let’s giggle, chuckle, and laugh our way through life’s ups and downs, knowing that a good sense of humour can make even the toughest situations a little brighter!

Nature’s nurture

Nature therapy, also known as “ecotherapy,” is becoming popular for its amazing benefits on mental well-being. Spending time outdoors can help reduce stress, boost happiness, and make us feel more relaxed and peaceful. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or simply sitting under a tree, nature has a magical way of making us feel better. So, next time you’re feeling stressed or low, why not take a moment to step outside and enjoy the beauty of our natural world?

We can be happy if we view happiness as a way of being and a conscious choice that we make every day about how we wish to feel. It is about embracing the present moment, finding beauty in the simple things, and learning to appreciate the richness of life in all its shades. It is about embracing imperfection, embracing vulnerability, and embracing the full spectrum of human emotions, knowing that each experience, whether joyful or challenging, contributes to our growth and evolution as individuals.

We can be as happy or sad as we allow ourselves to be. In our quest for happiness, we often overlook the simple yet powerful strategies that can lead to lasting joy. So, the next time you find yourself searching for happiness, remember that it might just be closer than you think—in the moments that make our hearts sing—of connection, gratitude, and joy that surround us each and every day.

Let’s wrap ourselves in the cosy comfort of life’s simple pleasures, like laughter shared with friends and family or the warmth of a sunny day. Let us treasure these little joys and bask in the beauty of simply being alive.

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