Take responsibility for your own happiness

DRIVING ALONG the Red Hills Road the other day, I encountered another driver who was trying to bore past me. At a glance, his face was painted with unhappiness! Heading into the supermarket about half an hour later, I was greeted by a number of unhappy faces. In the parking lot the following morning, a gentleman tried to lighten a disgruntled looking lady’s day by cracking a joke, and she grunted. Then I wondered: Why are there so many unhappy people around?

People are unhappy for various reasons.

When basic needs like food, shelter, and safety aren’t met, people are unhappy! When expectations aren’t fulfilled, people can feel unhappy. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma can significantly impact a person’s happiness. Comparing oneself to others or feeling less than can lead to feelings of unhappiness.

Then there are societal and environmental factors like social isolation and loneliness, meaningless connections and relationships. In the mix are things like injustice, inequality, discrimination, which often lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and unhappiness. Living in areas with high levels of pollution, noise, or other environmental problems also contributes to unhappiness.

Then we cultivate our own unhappiness by pressuring ourselves with unrealistic expectations and hanging our hats out of our reach. And you know what false pride has been doing to some of us. We have to make an impression because of fear that people might look down on us or mistreat us.

Since we don’t know how people acquire their material possessions, we should never covet or try to copy their lifestyle! And in many instances, the abundance of things that people possess does not produce true happiness. True.

Financial struggles, debt, or uncertainty about the future can cause significant stress and unhappiness. Lack of purpose, meaning, or direction can lead to feelings of unhappiness and discontent.

While governments must address systemic issues like poverty, inequality, and lack of access to resources in the alleviation of unhappiness, each citizen must take personal responsibility for his own happiness. Simple things like building strong and meaningful relationships, being grateful for the very air we breathe, practising self-care and being present where personal assistance is often needed, can set one on a path to happiness.

There were no happier persons on earth than my mother and her sister. They were always praying. They knew that God had a plan for their lives and that He works everything out for their good. They knew that God loved them unconditionally and that His love was sufficient. And man, did they pray regularly! They knew that communicating with God through prayer and meditation, scripture reading and application were the best buffer against depression, loneliness, sadness, and fear. Seriously, they were miles away from perfection, but they were never seen “licking heads” with complainers.

So then, if they were here today, what advice would they offer us to beat unhappiness in a world where happiness has become such a sad rarity? I think they would say

· Mind your own business

· Don’t lust after people’s things.

· Express gratitude and praise to God every day.

· Use your gifts and talents to serve others and honour God.

· Extend forgiveness to others – always.

· Recognise your limitations and and humble yourself.

· Cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment in all circumstances, etc.

Then to top it off, I here share another writer’s thoughts with you:

· Experiencing peace and joy comes from knowing and trusting God.

· Finding purpose and meaning are guaranteed by a relationship with God.

· By having hope and assurance in God’s promises and presence in their lives, the door to unhappiness is closed.

Now, BE HAPPY, show and share it!

KINDLY HELP A NEIGHBOUR WITH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING

1. Stove

2. Refrigerator

3. Bed

4. Food

5. Medication

6. Financial assistance to start a little business

To help, please call Silton Townsend @ 876 649-9636 or deposit in acct #351 044 276 NCB. Alternatively, send donations to Hello Neighbour C/o 53 Half-Way Tree Road, Kingston 10; Paypal/credit card: email: zicron22@yahoo.com. Contact email: helloneighbour@yahoo.com. Visit hellomineighbourja.blogspot.com. Townsend exclusively manages the collections and distributions mentioned in this column and is neither an employee nor an of The Gleaner.