the happy cactus

Happiness can manifest in various forms and more often than not, is unique for each person. It might be seen as a genuine smile lighting up a face, eyes sparkling with contentment and a body that carries itself with confidence and a spring in your step. It’s reflected in relaxed body language, a carefree demeanour, and a sense of lightness. Happiness can be observed in moments of laughter, shared stories, and warm interactions with others. It’s present in the pursuit of passions, absorbed in creative endeavours or engrossed in meaningful work. Beyond appearances, happiness is an inner state that radiates outward, creating an aura of positivity and attracting connection with those around you. Ultimately, happiness takes on different shades, but its essence is unmistakable – a reflection of inner well-being and joy which shows outwardly.

One might surmise that happiness is the emotional beacon of well-being and is paramount for a fulfilling satisfied life. It fuels positivity, enhances mental and physical health, all while fostering resilience amidst the face of challenges. Beyond personal benefits, happiness gently ripples outward, fortifying relationships within the family unit and the wider communities. It ignites creativity, productivity, and a zest for learning. In a world often defined by its complexities, cultivating happiness nurtures a harmonious existence. It’s the cornerstone of a life well-lived, inspiring us to seek joy, spread kindness, and embrace the beauty in every moment.

I think happiness encapsulates the profound contentment and joy that arises from aligning one’s inner self with the outer world. It’s the warm glow of positive emotions and the absence of undue suffering. It is more than simple fleeting elation but is rather a sustainable state of well-being that emanates from meaningful connections, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. It sounds so cliché but it happiness is not a destination, instead it truly is a journey, where gratitude, resilience, and self-compassion pave the way. For me, happiness involves wholly embracing both the highs and lows of life with equanimity, ultimately creating a life illuminated by the radiance of genuine and lasting fulfillment. This is happiness. This is how we truly live to our fullest.

Although happiness is generally regarded as positive, it’s important to acknowledge potential negative aspects. Excessive pursuit of happiness might lead to unrealistic expectations which can set us up for disappointment and dismay. The pressure to be happy can create anxiety and a sense of inadequacy in the face of life’s challenges and moments of suffering. Also, an exclusive focus on personal happiness could possibly undermine empathy and the understanding of other peoples’ struggles. A constant pursuit of happiness might even lead to thoughtlessness when we prioritize immediate short term pleasure over long-term health and well-being. It is imperative to find a balance between seeking happiness and acknowledging a range of emotions. This is crucial for a holistic and meaningful life.

I have often thought what it is to be authentically happy, like genuine unadulterated happiness. Authentic happiness transcends fleeting moments of joy, delving into a profound and sustainable sense of well-being, almost like reaching a zen state. It is deeply rooted in self-awareness, emotional intelligence and an alignment with your core values. It arises from embracing one’s genuine emotions; both positive and negative. This form of happiness is characterized by a deep connection to meaningful relationships, personal growth, and a purpose fuelled life. It’s not a mask for challenges, but a resilient response to them. Authentic happiness is a journey of self-discovery, fostering a harmonious existence while allowing for the complexities and disappointments of our human experience. True happiness emanates from within, outwardly illuminating our life with a true and lasting fulfillment that goes beyond surface-level pleasures.

As I mature, I like to believe that I am more aware of my own happiness. I find it in the small things such as walking barefoot on grass, watching the leaves blow or listening to birds flitter in the trees. Finding happiness during menopause is a little harder because the symptoms tend to present continuously for more than a year. I have decided to be happy, even in my suffering. Please understand I am not saying that I have found the cure to any sad or negative thoughts, rather I suggest resting in the fact that life isn’t always peachy and we have a choice whether to accept or resist happiness.

I have found when we change our mindset/perspective from ‘woe is me’ to ‘I am grateful to be alive’, happiness brings positive mental and body changes. Here are a few reasons to choosing happiness:

 *Positive Emotions: Happiness is accompanied by a range of positive emotions such as joy, contentment, excitement, and satisfaction. These emotions contribute to a sense of well-being and fulfillment, enhancing our overall mood and outlook on life.

 *Physical Well-being: It has a positive impact on our physical health. It can boost our immune system, reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and promote better sleep. When we are happy, our bodies tend to function more optimally, leading to improved overall health.

 *Cognitive Functioning: Happiness is linked to enhanced cognitive functioning. It can improve focus, attention, memory, and creativity. When we are happy, our minds are more alert, enabling us to think more clearly, make better decisions, and problem-solve effectively.

 *Resilience and Coping Skills: It provides a solid foundation for resilience and the ability to cope with life’s challenges. When we are happy, we develop greater emotional resilience, allowing us to bounce back from setbacks and handle stress more effectively. It helps us maintain a positive mindset even during difficult times.

 *Improved Relationships: Happiness positively impacts our relationships with others. It makes us more approachable, friendly, and empathetic, fostering stronger connections and enhancing the quality of our relationships. Happy individuals often attract positivity and have a positive influence on those around them.

 *Increased Productivity and Success: Happiness has been linked to increased productivity and success in various areas of life. When we are happy, we are more motivated, focused, and engaged in our tasks. It leads to higher levels of performance, creativity, and achievement in both personal and professional endeavours.

 *Greater Life Satisfaction: Ultimately, happiness contributes to a higher overall sense of life satisfaction and fulfillment. It allows us to appreciate the present moment, find meaning and purpose, and experience a deeper sense of well-being and contentment.

It is important to note that happiness is a complex and subjective experience, and its manifestation will vary for each person. What makes me happy isn’t necessarily going to make you happy. It is important to note that when we are happy, it positively impacts our emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being while enhancing our social relationships all whilst contributing to a more satisfying and fulfilling life. Happiness is a choice and I choose happy every time because life is limited; no use in wallowing in our despair and inability to change what we cannot control.

Ageing happy is ageing healthy.