“What is Happiness? A plate of steaming hot Idli’s with a cup full of Sambhar and a light drizzle on a Sunday morning with “The Times” crossword in hand“

 

When asked, “What is happiness?” the majority of us will likely respond in different ways.

 

I understand that the replies are subjective and time sensitive. However, the majority of us would be unsure. When we want answers to significant questions, we always look outwardly for words such as success, happiness, goals, and growth. In contrast, the answers to all of these are found within everyone.

 

What exactly is happiness, then?

 

This is something that is intrinsic to who we are, so there’s no need for a formal description from Webster. Feeling it and describing it with lofty words are two ways we know it. Like happiness, pride, contentment, and thanks. No matter what you use, that feeling is what makes sense to us. The state of being healthy, good, or happier.

 

So, you’re looking to liven things up and bring more joy into your life? If so, you couldn’t have arrived at a more opportune moment. I have a quick question for you before I begin: if your life were a movie, would anyone bother to see it all the way to the end?

 

About my experience:

 

Like most people, I, a Tam Bram from the south of India, sometimes find myself slipping into autopilot mode. They enrol in a school for engineering and subsequently acquire an MBA. Get hitched while commuting to work for a global bank, surf Internet, and enjoy life. They begin their quest for happiness only when they tie the knot. They realise that years have passed, and they can’t recall where they spent all their time.

 

Stop acting like a robot and stop blaming work-life balance and technology. The secrets of living a full, interesting life should be known by all. Considering that limitations will consistently exist. Comparable to doing an encore of Carnatic RTP – Ragam Thanam Pallava.

 

The limitations and restrictions of Carnatic music are distinct. However, it leaves a lot of room for the artist’s imagination and originality. That invention and creativity can only be put to good use if they fully grasp the limitations. We can’t waste time griping about the limitations. Do something or die trying.

Three easy things I’ve done have made my life richer, fuller of joy and adventure. Ready? Let’s look into it.

 

1. Act impulsively

Put an end to overthinking, overplanning, and overanalyzing; simply do it. “Just do it,” as the NIKE commercial puts it. Since I had worked with Germans for a while, I knew how important it was to plan ahead. Fear of Failure (FoF) is a real problem for a lot of people for planning. The consequences of things not working out as planned. We begin to over plan at this point.

 

While having tea with my coworkers, I got a message from a team member who was using an app to record a song. I was completely unaware of Smule App and its existence. Out of curiosity, I opened and listened to a very honest rendition of the song. Initially, I was drawn to the inaccurate portrayal.

 

It dawned on me after a while that the vocalist was aware of these slip-ups. But he found delight in it and was happy to share it with others. The quality didn’t worry him; what did matter was the focus on emotion.

 

It was at that same moment that the idea for the SMULE app came to me. I began to capture my voice, which sounds a lot like a braying donkey’s bass. What brought me joy was the time and effort put into choosing and recording the song. I wouldn’t say I got better, but I am much happier now. I look forward to the day when I can finally offer a song that does justice to the original version.

 

The moral of the story is that if you want to experience joy, you should ignore rationality and act on impulse.

 

In your life, you will have plenty of opportunities to indulge in irrational desires, like:

1. Want to secretly sneak up to a rooftop and capture the sunset on camera? Then get your trainers and phone ready!
2. Come across a charming infant? Sure, play with him for a while!
3. Want to shake up your routine and escape? Then gather your buddies and get in your car.

 

2. Dive into Uncharted Territory

“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” Sun Tzu

 

Take advantage of any fresh chance that comes your way. Which one will be useful down the road is anybody’s guess. These are some examples from actual life:

• It was in a very competitive foosball league that the idea for the Brazzers was born.
• Jobs didn’t think his calligraphy lesson would have any bearing on his later innovations when he took it.
• Paul McCartney’s invitation to join John Lennon’s skiffle band was the catalyst for the Beatles’ first meeting.

In other words, you should never stop looking; there may be chances out there that you have yet to discover. Embrace change without hesitation.

 

Lesson: “Looking back, the only things we regret are the opportunities we passed up, the relationships we feared, and the decisions we procrastinated on.” Carroll, Lewis

 

The third step is to set goals.

Discover your passion and live your life to the fullest. Consider someone whose pastime is collecting maps? A very niche interest. An apathetic person would still be a hundred times less interesting than him.

 

Do not stop exploring once you discover something interesting. Motivate yourself by setting a goal and working towards it. Someone who dreams of being a reality show winner and adores the kitchen. Regardless of the outcome, he will always lead a more exciting and fulfilling life than your average chef at a neighbourhood joint.

 

Uncertain occurrences and outcomes frequently pique people’s interest and provoke deeper inquiry. For the simple reason that navigating uncertainty is more entertaining and interesting. You may take advantage of this occurrence and display your potential when you establish a goal. What makes the journey intriguing, not the destination, is the journey itself. The joy multiplies as you accomplish your objective.

 

1. For your motivation, I’ve included a sneak peek at a few of my life objectives. To pen a work of fiction aimed at a younger audience. (Mission Accomplished)
2. Second, in memory of Crazy Mohan, pen a full-length comic play. (Progress is being made.)
3. To create comic strips depicting 1980s life (Current Status: why lie, not yet started Pending Development)

 

I should mention that I have never even handled the task of writing a school leave letter. Lack the artistic ability and knowledge to write a comedic play. I have begun, however, to take steps towards a more fulfilling and exciting existence. I got a head start on investigating the possibilities and came up with some wild objectives.

 

During my investigation on this subject, I also came across alternative approaches. These are a few:

1. Do it yourself: wall painting
2. Karaoke Weekends
3. Learning a foreign language
4. Take up a crazy hobby
5. Discover a new sport
6. Get a pet
7. Go on a weekend getaway
8. Modify your approach to clothing.

 

I am curious as to whether or not you have encountered any of the items on this list. Please use the comments area to share them.