For such a long period of time, I used to think that happiness was a state that you had to reach. I used to pressure myself every time I had those down moments, unhappy, and distasteful about my life. I used to hate myself in those moments where I didn’t feel happy or I didn’t have a smile on my face.
But now, I fully understand that happiness is a strength. It is a practice of choosing to see the better sides of any circumstance.
Because when you do that, you are now stepping into the zone of gratefulness—and that is the ultimate state of happiness.
I know it is not easy because life is freaking hard and painful. But as you go through life, it’s an advantage when you learn to navigate yourself in the direction of gratefulness when things aren’t going right. It’s a blessing to see that even in darkness, there are still these smallest things that we can celebrate and be grateful for.
Another important realization to have is that you are a human. Yes, you are a human. You are not excluded from all the bullshit that could happen to you. So instead of pressuring yourself, give yourself compassion. When you feel any of those dark emotions, all you have to do is get curious about them and ask yourself why you’re feeling this way and positively rationalize it.
Happiness is when you realize that it’s okay to find yourself struggling. But still, move through life and find those bright spots, and then lean into them as much as you can.
I believe that in order for someone to be happy, one has to learn the beauty and strength that comes along with pain, loss, failure, and disappointment. You have to squeeze those experiences out—and see those hidden gems inside them.
Because the truth is, the dark experiences and emotions are the reasons we learn to be happy and appreciate those moments of joy and breakthroughs.
Listen, you don’t have to be hard on yourself when you are unhappy or when you feel any of those dark emotions. This is in engraved in all of us. It makes us all human—and those are the things connect us. You are not alone. But just remember one thing: staying in that space for a long time is a choice. And it is a choice that you don’t have to make.
In those darkest moments of your life, you are always the one in charge. You get to choose which direction you are going because you are in the driver’s seat, always.
Featured Image Credit: TONL