Our Eternal Chase the Hidden Truth About Happiness.

 

30 November 2024

By Ekaale Ekuam

In a world teeming with contrasts, where the human heart is perpetually caught between longing and gratitude, one question reverberates across every culture, class, and creed: What is the best thing in life? It’s a question that evokes as many answers as there are stars in the sky, each one shaped by personal struggles, aspirations, and the elusive nature of happiness.

For the poor man, happiness seems to glisten in the gold of wealth. The blind person believes it lies in the gift of sight, while a beggar imagines joy in the simplicity of a warm meal. The sick, grappling with the fragility of life, see it in the wish of good health. And yet, when these dreams are fulfilled, happiness often evades capture, slipping through the fingers like grains of sand.

It’s the paradox of life, the married dream of divorce, longing for the freedom they once had, while the unmarried romanticize marriage, envisioning it as the pinnacle of contentment. The young, restless and impatient, yearn to grow up, only to find the old wistfully wishing to turn back time. Fame is another mirage while the unknown crave recognition, the famous desperately seek the solace of anonymity.

So where does true happiness reside? The answer is startling in its simplicity: It’s all in the mind.

The human tendency to romanticize the “other side” is as old as time. We’re hardwired to focus on what’s missing, believing that “better” lies just out of reach. This mindset is both a blessing and a curse it fuels ambition, yet it blinds us to the treasures we already possess.

Consider the rich man who spends sleepless nights worrying about losing his wealth, while the poor man peacefully dreams of a better tomorrow. One has money but lacks peace; the other has peace but lacks money. Each envies the other, yet neither pauses to embrace what they already have.

The truth, as simple as it is profound, is that the grass isn’t greener on the other side it’s greener where you water it. Gratitude and mindfulness are the tools with which we cultivate the garden of our lives. By tending to what we already have, we unlock the happiness that hides in plain sight.

A healthy person often takes their vitality for granted until sickness strikes. A person surrounded by love sometimes overlooks it, yearning for material success instead. But in the quiet moments, when we stop chasing and start appreciating, we realize no one has it all, yet everyone has enough.

The secret to breaking free from this cycle of longing lies in understanding that happiness isn’t a destination it’s a state of being. It’s the joy in a child’s laughter, the warmth of the morning sun, the taste of a home-cooked meal, or the serenity of a moment spent in nature. It’s not found in the extraordinary, but in the ordinary moments we often overlook.

Happiness is not about having everything; it’s about appreciating what you have. It’s about finding peace in the chaos, beauty in imperfection, and joy in the journey.

So, the next time you find yourself envying someone else’s life, remember this, their grass isn’t greener it’s just a different shade. Look inward, tend to your own garden, and you’ll find that the best things in life aren’t things at all. They’re moments, feelings, and the quiet contentment of knowing that, in this moment, you have enough.

The chase for happiness ends where gratitude begins. Pause, reflect, and let the realization dawn, you already have everything you need to be happy. The rest is just perspective.

The Author,

Is a Freelance Writer, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management Consultant.

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