Where to Find Happiness?

       Today during training, one of our trainers asked "Where do you find happiness?" The answers varied widely. Many in the class started giving material reasons that make them happy. Then the instructor said, there are so many reasons that make us happy, but though they influence us, happiness is an internal factor. Now that gave me a lot to think about.

      What makes us happy? Time with our friends? Lazy time? Promotions? The list may go on. But is it really these things that make us happy? If so, then what about the time when we don't get these things? Will we stop being happy? Time changes and so does our priorities. Something that we like today might not be that important tomorrow. Someone we love today might walk away tomorrow. So does that mean we stop leading our life? Or rather lead life without zeal?

       Life goes on. It doesn't wait for anyone or anything. So it is always up to us to decide how we want to lead it. We wish to be happy or brood over the unpleasant things; it's totally our choice.Time changes, people come and go; so does hardships. But one thing remains constant - us. And it is us, who can decide how we wish to be. Happiness indeed lies within. It is our sole decision. Nothing or no one can hurt us unless we give them the power to do so. Thus, instead of giving them power to make us sad, why not give ourselves a chance to be happy? Don't even give the key to your happiness to someone else. Don't fix a range for happiness. Let yourself free and enjoy little things. Be it watching sunset or dancing in the rain, every little thing matters. Stop complaining and be happy with whatever you have. Dream big but don't forget to appreciate what you have currently. Value that one person who matters the most - yourself! Give yourself a chance to be happy everyday; you deserve every bit of it. After all happiness is an internal factor and only you have the power to take it away from yourself; no one else can!

       So what is it that is stopping you from being happy?

PS: Linking this post to the Ultimate Blog Challenge July 2014 and NaBloPoMo.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

BELIEF

          “I can’t do it Smriti!” cried Aman. He kicked the foot rest that was next to him. The beast in him was raging. Aman had completely surrendered to it. He didn’t even pay any heed to the pleas of Smriti who was constantly trying to calm him down. He had had enough. He had worked so hard for the concert & now when it was time for him to prove himself in front of the world & most importantly to himself, the memories of the past came rushing back. He remembered the taunts his father used to make. “You are no good! This singing is not your thing. Why don’t you just give it up” He had always lived in fear believing those words, never trying to explore his talent, afraid that people might laugh at him; until Smriti came. Once Smriti entered his life, he had started to believe slowly; in himself, his capabilities. He was slowly trying to get out of the shell he had hid himself for so many years. She was like music to his wounded soul. And for the first time in years Aman dared to dream. He aspired to become a singer and with music touch the hearts of people. But every time he held the mike, his father’s face and his harsh words kept flashing in his mind. He felt like he was crippled for life.

        Not being able to withstand the pressure & the fact that he was so weak, Aman threw the vase which was next to him. “Aman!!!” the cry finally caught his attention. He turned around to see Smriti watching him with a weirdest expression, a mix of fear & sympathy. Seeing fear for him in the eyes of Smriti, Aman finally broke out of his trance. He sat there, face in his hands, and whispered “Why me Smriti?” She brought a cup of coffee for him and ordered him to drink it. Like a child, Aman obliged her and slurped the coffee, still afraid to meet her eyes.

           Smriti's heart wrenched to see him in such a vulnerable position. She carefully chose her words. “Aman you can either keep thinking about your past. Then you will be afraid for your whole life. Or you can choose to start a new life. You can prove to your dad how wrong he was when he looked down on you. Just because someone said that you can’t do it, doesn’t mean you have to believe them and quit trying. You will never know your strength unless you try. I know you can do it. I believe in you. You just have to believe in yourself and then you can make wonders happen”

      Aman looked at Smriti with childlike eyes believing in every word she said, desperately hanging on to each of them for he knew she was true and that she would always stand by him no matter what happened. So with a renewed confidence, Aman slowly picked up his guitar and started strumming the wires, ready to put the past back and give his best.

PS: This post is in response for the 3 Word Wednesday writing prompt 3WW CCCLXVII which required the use of 3 words Aspire, Beast and Slurp in the story.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

NEVER BE AFRAID OF MISTAKES

         How many of us actually have the courage to speak up our minds? How many of us actually take up all the opportunities that life offers us? Not many I guess. There is always a fear of being wrong, fear of being criticized that keeps holding us back & prevents us from taking chances & speaking our mind. The fear of making mistakes!

        Has it ever happened to you that you know something but you are afraid to present your idea for the fear that it might be wrong? Then someone else says the same thing & gets all the credit while you sit there, regretting, wishing that you had enough courage to say it first! You watch people succeed, get into the limelight & keep cursing your fate or blame God for not giving you an opportunity to prove yourself, not realizing that every time you hesitate, you are actually giving up the opportunity you had got?

       

         Never be afraid to speak your mind. Its OK to make mistakes. No one is gonna eat you (Come on! Don't be the prey. Be the predator). People might talk behind your back, sometimes they might even laugh at you but ignore them. Coz that's what they are best at. They will make fun of you anyhow, not only when you are wrong but even when you are right! They just need a reason. So why ruin your golden opportunities just for the sake of someone unimportant. Always remember the saying "Barking dogs seldom bite"

         Next time you get an opportunity, don't hesitate. Be brave. Step forward & give your best. Remember that you will learn only when you try. Hard work never goes vain. Knowing you gave your best is always better than regretting, wondering how it would have been if you had made a different choice. At least you will have the satisfaction that you gave your best.

          So face your fears, take chances, make mistakes & learn from them. After all mistakes are the stepping stones for success. Yes, there will be hurdles but who said it will be easy? The road to success is never easy! But remember, it isn't impossible! Keep this in mind & give your best in whatever you do and surely one day, you will soar high :) 

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love

Swathi :)

See the honors at Spicy Saturday Picks 15 March 2014

Thank You BlogAdda :)