DEEP THOUGHTS

Every Monday

THE HAPPINESS WE SEEK

“Happiness radiates like a flower and draws all good thing toward you” – Maharishi Yogi.

This is the very panacea to soul healing and dispelling of sicknesses. Everyone desires to be happy but have different variations and approaches to it. People elicit happiness through various means, but we must understand that one major way to be truly happy in life is to impact positively into someone’s life. Individuals all over the world may have divergent views with some citing painful traumatic experiences as their reason.

Understandably so, those events have shaped their reasoning and logic, therefore extending a hand to those in need seem like a herculean task. However, we must understand that happiness generated through selfishness and exploitation is like a “line that is drawn in the sand which disappears with a breath of air”. A fleeting joy accompanied by a torrential downpour of guilt. Whatever happiness you may feel from your selfish achievement is nothing compared to the intense amount of loathing you will feel about yourself.

Even with the “sense” you feel you have exhibited, there will always be that feeling of worthlessness; thinking about it, is that Machiavellian victory really worth damaging your happiness and peace of mind for? Imagine being the reason that someone smiles or breathes a huge sigh of relief? Seeing the gratefulness and gratitude in someone’s eyes as she/he thanks you may be embarrassing, but it reminds you that you have a purpose in life and in most cases, it generates a level of hope in you especially when you are in dire need of one

Even as people believe that putting others’ happiness before yours is the way to go, I believe that being able to put a smile on someone’s face gives one a sense of fulfillment and you don't necessarily have to deny yourself something to make it happen. Therefore inasmuch as individual’s happiness should not depend on another, I do believe that happiness radiates best when you give a lending hand.

As for those who have had bad experiences when providing help, I can’t begin to understand what you are going through, but you can’t just ignore people’s plight when you know that they desperately need it. Help them secretly and watch them rejoice. That itself is a better satisfaction that will be a lasting memory. 

- Odigwe Jilams.

Jilams Odigwe is an enthusiastic writer who borders the line between a realist and optimist. His love for art is fluid, which makes Bon vivant of some sort...