Posted By: Nichol Chukwuemeka
We have already learned that happiness goes beyond
material things. This is echoed by William Barclay when he said, “Joy
has nothing to do with material things, or
with man’s outward circumstance. A man living in the lap of luxury can
be wretched
and a man in depths of poverty can overflow
with joy.”
Happiness can be
induced by many ways and means. Some result to short-term happiness,
while others have long lasting
results. In a busy world where everyone and
everything seem to be moving in a fast pace, we can do ourselves a great
favor
by taking time off for self-reflection.
Meditation is a powerful
tool for inducing happiness. Through meditation, we can reach a level of
mental clarity. Making meditation
a regular part of our lives will lead us to
new and exciting possibilities for our inner peace. This will enhance
happiness
as a result.
Several factors need to be met for us to achieve happiness. These prerequisites include:
Good Health
Health is wealth. Good health is a very important factor in achieving happiness. It allows us to make life more enjoyable.
On the other hand, an illness not only drains the pocket, but it also destroys our zest in life.
Therefore, the body must be
treated well, pampered with love, and given the needed nourishment. We
take good care of it by
taking preventive measures. We can opt to
engage in a healthy lifestyle by eating the right foods and doing
regular exercise.
Sufficient Source Of Income
Basic income should meet the family’s basic needs. This frees us from worries about basic needs and concentrates on pursuing
what we love best.
Basic needs vary from one family to another. What is implied here is income to provide for reasonable food, clothing, and
shelter. What is reasonable and enough depends upon the family’s needs.
Affection
Love is the foundation of
human existence. We need to feel loved to be happy. It is crucial that
we have at least one person
whose company we enjoy to share our life
with. This does not have to be a romantic relationship. A family member
or a friend
can fill this need.
Productive Work Or Activity
People feel a sense of
achievement just by knowing that they can still contribute their skills
and are needed
by the people
around them. Doing productive work or
activity boosts our self-confidence and self-esteem, which eventually
leads to happiness.
Good Attitude
A person with a negative
attitude in life can never be happy. A positive attitude is needed to
ensure long and lasting happiness.
A perfectionist would likely be upset when
the world is not the way he wants it, but a person with a positive
attitude would
be tolerant and understanding with all kinds
of people, events, and circumstances.
Defined Goals
In achieving happiness,
goals must be set for all aspects of life such as business, career,
relationships, health, etc. After
setting our goals, we must make an action
plan on how to achieve these goals. We then implement our plan and
monitor the progress.
Continuous progress leads to a sense of
fulfillment and happiness.
Unless all of the above
prerequisites are met, we cannot be truly and completely happy. Failing
to meet any one of them is
tantamount to forgetting one ingredient that
makes a recipe completely satisfying! It is therefore very important
that we
are healthy in all aspects – physically,
mentally, emotionally and financially – to be able to achieve lasting
happiness.
Fifth key to happiness: Happiness is a way of life.
