How to find True Joy despite your busy life?
When the list of things to do seems endless, it’s important to remember to enjoy life to the fullest
Ali Lashari
It wasn’t immediately apparent to me. There was no major realization or turning point in my life that caused me to stop and assess the situation. Interestingly, it was a jest — a light-hearted, inoffensive remark from a buddy. While they and others laughed, I sat there smiling politely and trying to figure out why my body was completely still.
Laughing aloud was still something I could do. Inside, I had lost the ability to laugh.
It was as if joy had sneaked out like an unwanted intruder.
Since when did I become so pathetic? Is it tucked away somewhere, out of sight, or labelled “Someday” alongside all my other aspirations?
It became increasingly clear to me as I pondered the matter that I had been residing in a state of constant “meh” rather than experiencing true joy.
When did I stop feeling joy? That was the biggest surprise!
Have you ever felt completely alien to yourself the moment you opened your eyes?
Sure, I did.
I posed the simple but unsettling question to myself that morning as I stared at the ceiling: “Am I happy?”
Following this, there was an ear-piercing quiet.
Read: Rediscovering Joy: Simple Pleasures That Bring True Happiness in a Fast-Paced Life
Throughout our lives, we gather experiences, strive for important milestones, and fulfil societal expectations. Unfortunately, the ability to experience true joy is lost in the midst of “growing up” and “making it big.”
Nothing changes until we look in the mirror and see that we’re just as exhausted as we are.
What Is the Meaning of Happiness?
Truthfully, joy is neither a place to go nor an emotion that lasts all the time.
It’s not the staged happiness you see on Instagram or the temporary high you get from retail therapy.
A happy life is filled with little pleasures, like curling up with a good book, laughing heartily with an old friend, or taking modest pride in a minor achievement. It’s not about always feeling great; it’s about savoring the good times and hanging on to them for a while.
Begin by granting yourself permission to experience joy
-Here we begin. Neither does the world have a responsibility to make you happy, but neither do you have to treat it seriously all the time.
-We have the strange idea that enjoying life is selfish or, worse, that we have to work for it.
-Beware of spoilers: You aren’t. Just by being here, you are deserving of joy.
-“I grant myself permission to be joyful,” you say aloud.
Does that not seem strange to you?
Feel the burden of expectations and guilt melt away. Yearning for happiness is very acceptable. It’s acceptable to try to find it.
And when it shows up, it’s perfectly fine to grasp it with both hands.
Take Part in Activities That Help You Feel More “Yours”
-We lose touch with our true selves when we try to please other people all the time. What makes you happy? When did the clock start to tick? Do more of what makes you happy, whether that’s creating art, tending to a garden, dancing, or even taking naps.
-Being happy is an inevitable consequence of being true to who you are.
Feel Real Joy When Other People Are Happy
-Worse than being a joy killer, comparison steals happiness.
-It’s tough to enjoy life when you’re always comparing it to other people’s best moments. Shift the storyline. Instead of feeling envious, rejoice in someone else’s achievement.
-Joy doubles when you figure out how to be truly happy for other people. Akin to enchantment of the heart.
Master the Art of De-Cluttering
-Grudges, regrets, lost chances, and broken relationships are just a few things that humans cling to. It’s as if you’re lugging around a bag full of pebbles.
-Forgiving yourself doesn’t imply you’re fine with what happened; it just means you’re not going to let it affect you anymore.
-If joy is a gentle sigh, then burdens are the bars that block it.
Moving Beyond the Conventional Guidance
Thankfulness, meditation, and physical activity are the bare minimum. These are wonderful, but let’s go farther.
-Question Your Happiness Narrative: Are you trying to escape pain or find happiness? Feeling good isn’t the only requirement for happiness; occasionally, feeling horrible is the enemy. Before you apply a lot of Band-Aids that make you feel better, figure out what hurts.
-Embrace Emotional Authenticity: The quest for happiness may devolve into a detrimental loop if we fail to acknowledge feelings of despair, rage, or ennui. Genuine happiness is enduring when one reconciles with all emotions, not solely the favorable ones.
-Produce an “Appetizer Menu”: Jot down anything that makes you happy. Make sure it’s visible to you. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by life, just do something. It serves as a gentle reminder that contentment is not merely an emotion, but rather a state that can be willed.
It Takes Effort to Be Happy, the Brave Truth Says.
Yup, I did say that.
Choosing, disciplining, and even fighting for happiness isn’t always a picnic.
It calls for you to fight against routine, to fight against pessimism, and to actively seek out happiness.
Refusing requests, disappointing others, or appearing foolish might be part of it.
What is the big deal? Would you rather have it both ways, being “fine” all the time or occasionally naively happy?
Discovering True Joy Is More Than Just Crossing a Box
I wish I could tell you that I couldn’t stop laughing when I woke up the following morning, but unfortunately, life isn’t a movie. The one thing I did find, though, was a little light of happiness—a spark. As I caressed it, it gradually flourished.
Finally, it transpired while doing yin yoga, of all things. I stretched out with yoga blocks under my tailbone, and when my lower back relaxed, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
I appeared foolish in the studio; however, the instructor, entertained, observed and nodded. Perhaps he comprehended. It might have been one of those suppressed emotions finally surfacing — yet I had transformed a yin yoga session into a laughter yoga session: those around me participated, and despite its absurdity, we all enjoyed ourselves (I believe. My apologies to those anticipating enlightenment in that session).
It could be time for you to fan your flame as well if you’re reading this and nodding in agreement. The pursuit of joy can be resumed at any moment. And when you do, laugh—uncontrollably, silently, and without rhyme or reason. My friend that is the sound of your soul rediscovering the meaning of life.
Tricks for the good life
Living a good life isn’t just about hacks—it’s about mindset, habits, and intentional choices. Having a good outlook on life and making intentional choices to improve it may have a significant influence on our physical and mental health.
Mindset & Well-being
- To change your attitude and focus on the good, attempt to express thankfulness every day. Put together three things that you’re thankful for.
- Embrace the Present – Preoccupation with the past or future diminishes your happiness. Engage in mindfulness or deep breathing techniques.
- Adopt the Mentality of “good enough” — Struggling to be flawless is depressing; sometimes, just getting things done is enough.
Taking obstacles in stride and seeing setbacks as learning experiences. Learning to deal with stressful situations and overcome obstacles. Knowing one’s own inner workings—one’s feelings, thoughts, and actions—allows one to make better decisions. Being kind, compassionate, and encouraging to oneself is an example of positive self-talk. Recognizing and appreciating what one has in life and being thankful for it.
Ways to Enhance Mental Health and Happiness
Meditating and practicing mindfulness on a regular basis can help you feel more at peace, sharpen your mind, and decrease stress. Exercise Improves Mood, Energy, and General Health. When done regularly, exercise improves mood, energy, and general health. Get in Touch with Nature: When you spend time outside, you may find that your mental health, stress levels, and overall sense of serenity all improve. Relationships with Positive individuals: Having positive relationships with individuals who support you can improve your mood, self-esteem, and general health. Self-Care: Making time for things that make you happy, calm, and refreshed a priority.
Relationships & Social Life
Asking more questions and assuming people mean well helps you connect with them on a deeper level. In all relationships, whether professional, romantic, or social, it is wise to give more than you receive. Put yourself in the presence of people who motivate you; doing so might improve your quality of life.
Health & Energy
Get Moving Every Day—Even a Short Walk Can Brighten Your Mood and Give You More Energy. A glass of water, not coffee or tea, should be your first hydration of the day. You can’t afford to skimp on sleep if you want to improve your attitude, concentration, and lifespan.
Wealth & Success
Invest on Memories, Not Merchandise – Happiness lasts a lifetime when you have good memories and good talents. Build your financial stability simply by automating saves. Set up automatic transfers to a savings account. Get at least ten minutes of reading every day; even just that will help you learn more and retain more information.
Happiness & Enjoyment
Embrace the Little Things – Embrace the little things in life—a delicious dinner, a beautiful sunset, a meaningful discussion. Laugh more—Life is too short to take yourself seriously; humor helps alleviate tension. Workload isn’t everything; it’s okay to take breaks. Unwinding is equally crucial.
Read: The Life-Changing Power of Just 60 Minutes a Day
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The writer is Assistant Director (Excavation & Exploration), Directorate of Archaeology & Antiquities Wing, Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Department Government of Sindh.
