Ingredients for a cup full of happiness

Ingredients for a cup full of happiness

About relationships, work, overcoming obstacles and feeling content at heart

Happiness is not always attained in complicated ways; it can be achieved by adding and savoring the simple ingredients of life. We all go through rough times, rough patches, have to face hardships and at times feel that the black clouds are only lined above us. Where do we go wrong in all of this? Is there a secret ingredient to leading a happy, joyous life or is it always marred by struggles and harsh consequences leading to bruised hope, no use of wisdom and dust-bin dispatched faith?

What we fail to realize is that sometimes we are not fighting hard enough. We might give up too easily on the situation. Yes, it is one thing to say and another to follow. The real question is: how many of us even try to follow? Its all about building the blocks which lead you to the final eternal abode of peace; Nirvana .Life isn't complicated, we make it so. Might sound cliché' but holds the essence of the very basic human instinct: there is no end to having enough.

It might start from a few shoes to multiple jimmy choos, decent bags to a designer haven wardrobe, and oh i-so-want-that-Swarovski watch or bracelet- on my list and it never really stops. We are faced with the 'looking-perfect' ordeal .There is this huge checklist of perfect things:

perfect grades

perfect car

perfect daughter/son -inlaw

perfect job

perfect everything(and one can definitely add to it)

What many of us fail to realize is that we substantially miss contentment and peace at heart. Multiple hearts hammer with constant thoughts of not having enough and subsequently there are a mélange of woes. People eventually flurry into a state of depression which is pretty much anticipated when such goals are placed in front of us.

There are multiple ways, many i tell you of reaching peace with yourself, both at mind and heart.

Relax, sit on a couch and take a deep breath. Think about this: how much time did i devote to myself today? I am sure you had multiple errands to run. Maybe university to attend, college applications to fill, social work to do, you might be tight on a deadline and there must be this never-ending list.

So what do we do with this never ending list. How do i satisfy myself with my ever-growing wants and a long to-do list?

It all starts with looking at the size of your pocket. How much can I spend? I am sure we all must have a million things lined up as our wants. Try saving some money at the end of every month and get what you can afford by the end of the month(s).

Savour what ever you have. Think about those who cannot even afford to have what you have. Look around yourself and you can easily picture how blessed you are. When you realize that you are better off than many around you ,you would start feeling content with your present share of things.

Be patient. No prayer is ever left unanswered .Be patient in your relationships, in your goals and what ever you desire to have. Good things happen to those who are steadfast, work hard for it and have faith in God. Faith keeps you content, helps you put the multiple things on your 'want-list' aside. These three key ingredients can maneuver you towards your end goal and keep you content.

Give time to your family. What we fail to understand is that we are partly not content because we hardly spend time with our family. Do not neglect your family .Remember work would always be there but do not juggle it with your personal life. Make time for your family..Give time to your wife/husband, kids and your grandparents. If you talk about making a difference, start by making a difference at home. How can you help others if you cannot help yourself with your relationships with your spouse, your kids, your parents or any other relative?

Stop running after money. Earn enough to run a decent household but don't have a myopic approach towards life. Lots of money would buy you good clothes but would never buy you contentment at heart. Contentment of heart is reached when you do something productive with your life. Start being stronger than your wants and if you start thinking that way ,you already are on the road towards success.

Smile .Smiling is contagious and a smile could make someone's day. Smile often as it radiates positiveness and helps you become an optimistic person.

So start by having that connection with God, have long term goals, set good use of your time and never neglect your family.

As far as workaholics are concerned take a breather and hear me out :)

Take some time out for yourself. It could be some minutes to half an hour or an hour. Live that time for yourself. Do what ever makes you happy. For a moment disconnect yourself from the world. Sounds easier than done, agreed but it is about making that effort. Try doing that every day. This should be your initial motto and you can build on it. You could take time off during an empty slot (probably when you do not have a class), during your office lunch break etc.

Meditate. Meditation is the key to disconnecting from the tangles of thoughts constantly jamming our head. It could be done thorough yoga or even praying!

Yes, establishing that connection with God would not only save you from having the guilty conscious of not praying(if you have one that is) plus you could talk to your hearts content, ask and be at peace. Even with your work piled up you still managed to build on that spiritual connection with your Lord. Establish prayers, as through prayers you connect with your Lord who does take care of the worldly affairs you left for Him(as you were praying).

Make a schedule that you can follow. An unrealistic schedule would lead you no where and in fact de-motivate you and you might end up undermining your potential.

Constantly remind your self of how far you have pulled off in life and your work at large. Sometimes we all need to be acknowledged for what we have accomplished so far. Remember a little pat on the back does no harm.

So start by having that connection with God, set long-term goals, make good use of your time and never neglect your family. These simple ingredients once stirred in your cup of life would make it more meaningful and satisfying. Have a great day and stay blessed. :)