Chasing happiness
Dear self,
Today hasn’t exactly been a perfect day. There were some issues at work, albeit minor, that caused you undue stress. Plans had to be changed. Some tasks weren’t accomplished.
I’m here to tell you that it’s fine.
I know that chasing happiness has somehow been a personal pursuit since you were introduced to Ze Frank. You tend to cling to the notion that happiness is a fleeting feeling, that it comes and it goes, that it’s almost like a street cat who noticed you but decided to run away just when you’re an inch from her.
When happiness seems so far, it is easy to remember its remnants in your head, bits and pieces of a past experience that has brought warmth in your heart.
I remember the time when you first scaled a mountain. Physical activities were never your forte, and surviving a hike seemed so impossible until you reached the summit of Mount Batulao. The view was exhilarating. The scenery was truly something you can never trade for anything else. The best part: You shared that moment with your closest friends.
There was also that sense of wonder and thrill when you went to Bantayan Island for skydiving. The view from thousands of meters up in the air, as the sun shone its goldest rays, was remarkable. You can vividly recall how peaceful it all felt, as if everything has a designated place in this earth, and you are included in it.
Less than a year ago, you embarked on your own solo travel, an adventure, we can say. It was daring: Going to an unfamiliar place on your own. Somehow, by the end of the journey, you figured it was fulfilling and worth the risk. You have met new friends and learned new things.
You can still feel the warmth of the morning sun as it touched your skin. The sand offered comfort as you laid on the beach of Danjugan Island in Negros Occidental. The sound of the waves and the Sponge Bob-theme-like chirping of the bird were akin to a sonata written just for you. I know, you grasp on to that memory for whenever you need strength, an internal boost to keep going. It always works and gives you some sense of calmness.
Still, have you ever thought of finding happiness from ordinary places and things?
I don’t think you will have to go far from where you are now to chase happiness. It is right there with you.
What if happiness means getting a text message from a colleague to ask for your help, respecting your advice and acknowledging that there is something to learn from you?
What if happiness means eating a fish fillet meal called “The Codfather” for lunch?
Or, maybe, happiness is finding just enough ingredients on your kitchen for a salad you can make for dinner.
Perhaps it’s in finally figuring out the trick to keeping your lettuce fresh while stored in your fridge.
Happiness comes in leaving your workplace earlier than your teammates do because you know you’ve done your work for the day.
It’s in knowing that someone cared enough to know that you got home safely.
What if these little things constitute happiness? Will you still go out of your way chasing them?
You have the capacity to be happy. Just be, Cherry. •
Today hasn’t exactly been a perfect day. There were some issues at work, albeit minor, that caused you undue stress. Plans had to be changed. Some tasks weren’t accomplished.
I’m here to tell you that it’s fine.
I know that chasing happiness has somehow been a personal pursuit since you were introduced to Ze Frank. You tend to cling to the notion that happiness is a fleeting feeling, that it comes and it goes, that it’s almost like a street cat who noticed you but decided to run away just when you’re an inch from her.
When happiness seems so far, it is easy to remember its remnants in your head, bits and pieces of a past experience that has brought warmth in your heart.
I remember the time when you first scaled a mountain. Physical activities were never your forte, and surviving a hike seemed so impossible until you reached the summit of Mount Batulao. The view was exhilarating. The scenery was truly something you can never trade for anything else. The best part: You shared that moment with your closest friends.
There was also that sense of wonder and thrill when you went to Bantayan Island for skydiving. The view from thousands of meters up in the air, as the sun shone its goldest rays, was remarkable. You can vividly recall how peaceful it all felt, as if everything has a designated place in this earth, and you are included in it.
Less than a year ago, you embarked on your own solo travel, an adventure, we can say. It was daring: Going to an unfamiliar place on your own. Somehow, by the end of the journey, you figured it was fulfilling and worth the risk. You have met new friends and learned new things.
You can still feel the warmth of the morning sun as it touched your skin. The sand offered comfort as you laid on the beach of Danjugan Island in Negros Occidental. The sound of the waves and the Sponge Bob-theme-like chirping of the bird were akin to a sonata written just for you. I know, you grasp on to that memory for whenever you need strength, an internal boost to keep going. It always works and gives you some sense of calmness.
Still, have you ever thought of finding happiness from ordinary places and things?
I don’t think you will have to go far from where you are now to chase happiness. It is right there with you.
What if happiness means getting a text message from a colleague to ask for your help, respecting your advice and acknowledging that there is something to learn from you?
What if happiness means eating a fish fillet meal called “The Codfather” for lunch?
Or, maybe, happiness is finding just enough ingredients on your kitchen for a salad you can make for dinner.
Perhaps it’s in finally figuring out the trick to keeping your lettuce fresh while stored in your fridge.
Happiness comes in leaving your workplace earlier than your teammates do because you know you’ve done your work for the day.
It’s in knowing that someone cared enough to know that you got home safely.
What if these little things constitute happiness? Will you still go out of your way chasing them?
You have the capacity to be happy. Just be, Cherry. •