In the Pursuit of Happiness

Happiness is a state of being

Happiness - the most elusive prize so many of us are chasing. We tell ourselves, “I’ll be happy when…” When I get that promotion, when I meet the right person, when my kids achieve a milestone, when the weekend arrives, or when life feels perfect. We tie our joy to external circumstances, waiting for the stars to align just so. But in this relentless pursuit, we miss the quiet truth: happiness isn’t out there. It never was!

The Mirage of External Happiness:

The world conditions us to believe that happiness lies in something external - an achievement , a validation, a person, a moment yet to come. We place our joy in the hands of someone else’s approval or in the attainment of future goals. This mindset turns happiness into an ever moving target, always just out of reach. This leaves us feeling not good enough, as if we haven't put in enough effort and leaves us wanting to do more. Even when we achieve what we thought would make us happy, the high fades quickly, and we are soon left yearning for the next “something.”

Think about it: How often do we say, “If only…”? If only I had more time. If only I looked a certain way. If only life were easier. These thoughts trap us in a cycle of lack and longing, keeping happiness perpetually tied to the next big thing, the next person, the future.

But here’s the thing: happiness is not a destination. It is a state of being.

Finding Happiness in the Present Moment:

What if we stopped searching for happiness out there and started cultivating it within? The present moment holds all the joy we are looking for, but we often overlook it because we’re too busy dwelling on the past or projecting into the future.

Happiness is in the simple, everyday things:

• The warmth of the morning sun on your face

• A heartfelt hug that says more than words ever could

• A smile exchanged with a stranger

• The first sip of chai on a beautiful morning

• The sound of your favorite song filling the room

When we pause and become present, we realize that happiness has always been within our reach. It’s not about waiting for something monumental to happen; it is about noticing the small, beautiful moments that fill our days.

Choosing Happiness Today:

Happiness is a choice - a practice we can nurture every single day. It begins with gratitude.

When we focus on what we have instead of what we lack, we shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance.

Make it a habit to acknowledge the blessings in your life, no matter how small they seem.

Kindness is another powerful key. Whether it’s extending kindness to others or being gentle with yourself, these acts create ripples of joy. A simple compliment, a word of encouragement, or a moment of self-care can brighten the day, not just for you but for those around you.

Most importantly, we must let go of the idea that life has to be perfect for us to be happy. Perfection is an illusion, and waiting for it only delays our happiness. Accepting life as it is, with all its imperfections, frees us to find contentment in the here and now.

Claiming Your Happiness:

Happiness doesn’t have to be pursued—it can be claimed, right here, right now. It is not something the future owes us; it is something we owe ourselves in this moment.

So, the next time you find yourself saying, “I’ll be happy when…”, pause. Take a deep breath. Look around. What beauty, connection, or comfort can you find in this very moment? Embrace it. Let it fill you.

Because happiness isn’t a pursuit - it is a choice we make every day. And the sooner we realize this, the sooner we can stop chasing and start living.

The question isn’t “How can I find happiness?”

It is “How can I live it now?”

Choose wisely. BE Happy!