Are You Happy Now?

Stop for a second and answer honestly,

"Are you truly happy?"

If you said yes, then you can stop reading here.

 But if you said “no”, then let’s dive a little deeper

In today's world, we often find ourselves chasing happiness like it's a destination we'll eventually reach.

We think, "I'll be happy when I get that promotion" or "I'll be happy when I buy that new phone."

But have you ever noticed how that happiness fades so quickly after getting what you wanted?

What if happiness isn’t about reaching a final destination?

What if it's about how we live each day and whom we share it with?

Let’s figure this out in today’s edition.

Now, contrary to popular beliefs, true happiness doesn’t come from achievements, wealth, or recognition, rather it comes from how we nurture our relationships and appreciate the present moment.

Confused?

Let me simplify it even further by talking about 6 aspects of life and where it stands in the race to happiness:

1. Happiness is a direction, not a destination

Many people believe that happiness will come when they achieve something big. It can be anything, a dream job, a perfect home, or a certain amount of money.

But happiness isn’t a trophy you win; it’s a way of living.

A study by Harvard University found that strong relationships bring more happiness than money or success.

Instead of focusing on where you're going, focus on how you travel and whom you travel with.

2. The bad trade: special vs. happy

Too many people sacrifice happiness to be "Different or special."

They work long hours, chase status, and ignore their personal lives. But what good is success if you have no time to spend with the people you love?

Imagine choosing an extra hour at work over your child's 5th birthday. Will that day come back? Plus, imagine the impact it will leave on your child’s psyche.

I know, many of you will disagree saying we do it for their sake but try to see it from their viewpoint. In the long run, do these small moments matter more to them than any career achievement you have?

3. Appreciate your loved ones while you can

Our time with family is limited, yet we often take it for granted. Sooner or later, your parents will be gone. Your siblings will move away building their life and career. So, why to waste the present moment by overburdening about the unknown future?

If you currently live with your parents, just go and give them a tight hug and see the amount of internal happiness you feel. Another thing you can do if you live away from them is call them up as much as you can.

Another way is to hold onto their memories by recording a video interview with your parents. Ask about their childhood, dreams, and struggles.

Someday, you’ll be grateful you did because another meaning of happiness is also about cherishing what you have before it's gone.

4. Say what you mean

One major reason for unhappiness is unspoken thoughts.

There are countless thoughts going into our minds each day, and unless we start sharing them, those thoughts will start to suffocate us. Countless thoughts, countless expectations, and a dream that someday someone will read our minds just like a movie.

But life is no movie. No one can read your mind.

So, if you need something, just say it. If you appreciate someone, tell them. Honest communication leads to deeper relationships and a happier life.

5. Show daily appreciation

One of the biggest rules when it comes to love is that it starts to fade when it is not nurtured.

And to counter this, the best relationship advice is to tell your partner one thing you appreciate about them every day.

Because, small words of kindness build strong, happy, and lasting relationships. In fact, there is also a study that supports this advice.

Btw, there are many more rules when it comes to relationships, and I have covered a few in a video, so make sure to check it out by clicking the link here.

6. Give people their flowers now, not at their funeral

How often do we wait until someone is gone to express our love and appreciation for them?

But, why do we do that in the first place? Why wait till the last moment?

The answer is that too often, we assume that our favorite person already knows how much we appreciate them, only to regret not saying it before they are gone.

What we fail to see is a simple compliment, a heartfelt thank you, or an unexpected message of appreciation can make someone's day. These small gestures not only strengthen our relationships but also bring joy to both the giver and receiver.

See, life is uncertain, and kindness should never be delayed. If you care about someone, let them know today because kal ho na ho.

Before I wrap up today’s edition, here is the takeaway for all of you.

Happiness isn’t found in material things. Yes, certain materialistic things do become a catalyst to our happiness but at the end of the day, happiness lies in the people we love, the moments we cherish, and the way we live our everyday lives.

So stop waiting for happiness to arrive and start living it in the present moment.

Now, there are many more aspects of happiness. What I shared today were the most obvious yet the most overlooked ones, so let me know by REPLYING whether you want a part 2 of this edition.