For the longest time in my adult life, I can only count with my fingers where I can truly say I felt happy. Most of them involves an interaction with my loved ones. The rest are just pleasures.
Some little happiness that comes to me every once in a while came from messages of strangers appreciating my writings, specially kids who used them for school projects. Other than that, I always find my self seeking pleasures like watching movie, eating something delicious or going to nice places worthy of selfie.
Yes, I can clearly distinguish happiness from pleasure. Happiness is deep, lasting and fulfilling. Pleasure is shallow, temporary and addictive. Happiness makes you contented and settled. Pleasure makes you want more and restless. Happiness normally involves achievements, idea, passion and with people you love. Pleasure normally involves money, entertainment, scenery, food and drinks and just anybody else. Happiness has something to do with who you are inside. Pleasure has something to do with what you want people to think of what you are. But many of us confuse happiness with pleasure. Only to feel empty inside later on.
A cheap cup of coffee may not be classy. But if you share it with someone dear with a light and funny conversation, it becomes priceless and memorable. Much better than a starbucks cup of coffee with a known politician you took selfie with.
A meal of sweet potatoes and boiled cardava bananas shared with old classmates in your home town is happiness. Much better than dinner buffet in a 5 star hotel with fellow professionals in a national conference.
The trick to happiness is being real, being you and being with people you truly care. Any place, any food, any time and any set up will do.
One day, I will open a clinic to cater for people who cannot find happiness. And I will be my first client. I, me and myself. The topic will be, what makes me think I found happiness with that cup of cheap coffee in my selfie below?
I did not. I was merely looking at a pretty photographer who looked at me as if she found happiness in me. I guess she did.
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