Don't Worry, Be Happy--Destiny

It’s a Saturday afternoon. The sun is out and it’s a bit chilly, but that doesn’t stop us from putting all of the windows in the car down. In the background, “Suicidal” can be heard playing, along with awful singing. We don’t really know where we’re going, and we don’t really care. As I look around at each of my friends, belting out notes and laughing until they’re halfway out of their seats, I realize that in that moment, I am truly content. I am happy. 

Little moments like these often make me wonder what happiness really is and why it seems so hard to obtain. According to Merriam Webster, happiness is a state of well-being and contentment. This appears to be a straightforward answer, yet it only leaves me asking more questions. How do we know when we’ve reached this state? Why isn’t happiness universal? Why is it so difficult to sustain that feeling of contentment? The solution is simple, right? If you like doing something, keep doing it. Unfortunately, that isn’t always possible. Happiness is partially circumstantial. Not everyone has the ability nor the resources to do the things they love to do. Whether it’s a matter of money, a busy schedule, lack of transportation, etc., there are numerous obstacles that prevent people from pursuing their passions. At the same time, happiness is not based solely on material possessions. It can stem from yourself, family, and friends as well. In several cases around the world, it has been found that even some of those living in the worst conditions have been able to find some source of happiness. 

I believe that true happiness is that inner feeling of excitement to wake up and live the next day, that feeling of bliss when you take a look at your surroundings and know that everything will be alright, that feeling of satisfaction when you can be unapologetically you. As a society, we have cultivated an environment in which we are too concerned with our aesthetics

and other’s opinions of us. As a result, not a lot of people feel comfortable enough in their own skin to take pride and indulge in the things that make them happy. The girl in your fourth period class is afraid to talk or post about anime because it’ll make her seem “weird” or like “she’s trying too hard”. The boy next to you really loves One Direction but he can’t express that because he knows he’ll be ridiculed for it. At what point do we stop doing things for others and start doing things for ourselves? When we allow people to dictate our actions and interests, we lose ourselves in the process. And the sad truth is, you cannot attain happiness if you’re not true to who you are. 

Happiness is different for every individual. There is no set standard or guide that tells us what should make us happy and why. It is something we must ultimately determine ourselves. As you search for your answer, keep in mind the things and/or people that allow you to be yourself and make you excited to see another day. 

“Happiness.” ​Merriam-Webster​, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness.