There are various definitions of happiness, but ultimately, it is a state of emotional wellness and contentment.
Achieving emotional balance through joy, contentment, and fulfilment leads to a moment of pleasure and self-reflection, ultimately resulting in a satisfying life filled with positive relationships, work, and goals.
What brings joy to one individual may not necessarily bring joy to another.
Happiness encompasses many topics that require a more detailed explanation to understand its complexity fully.
The question presented to me was, ‘Why can’t I ever be happy?’
“How do you define happiness, and what is your focus?’
In my journey, I have discovered that happiness often resides in the present moment, and I have since learned to embrace and savour these fleeting instances of joy.
Happiness is a blissful state of being that you wish could be a permanent resident in your mind and heart.
Those who allow fear and anxiety to control them are trapped in a cycle of oppression, unable to embrace and experience all that life fully has to offer.
There was a period in my life when I struggled to find happiness because I harboured self-hatred and believed I was unworthy of joy.
My existence was consumed by anxiety, suspicion, uncertainty, and bitterness towards those around me, ultimately posing a threat to my well-being.
Confronting and beginning to heal from my unhealthy actions has been a gradual process that has spanned most of my life.
I found solace in sorrow as I constantly sought the shadow behind every glimmer of hope.
Losing the most important person in my life made me realise just how much I relied on my Beloved Father for emotional support.
When I realised that I was solely responsible for my happiness, I understood that I would need to put in significant effort.
I had to confront my past and finally lay it to rest.
I was the one who initiated happiness, turning it from a mere possibility into a tangible choice.
I have always been aware that my happiness does not depend on material possessions or solely on the presence of others.
It starts with me.
My journey began with building a fresh bond with myself, unravelling the layers to discover my authentic self and cultivating a deep sense of self-love.
For over three years, I have endured a gruelling and arduous journey that continues to test my strength and resilience. The outcomes are evidence of success.
I enjoy spending time alone, embracing and cherishing the person I have become.
Navigating through my mental health challenges is no walk in the park, but I am determined and strong-willed in my pursuit of inner peace.
I have never been more satisfied with life than I am now.
I recall all the fairytales we used to read, where every story ended with. “…and they lived happily ever after.”
I see these stories as reflections of reality, where challenges and obstacles will always be present, whether in the form of people or circumstances.
Conversely, real-life endings seldom mirror the fairy tales we read. Sacrifices become necessary, particularly in matters involving people, altering relationships irreversibly.
These stories are intended to help children recognise the different types of individuals they may encounter and encourage them to select their friends carefully.
Welcome to the realm where you encounter the mythical ogres of fairy tales in the form of human beings.
A few children are privileged to be enveloped in a shielded bubble until they begin engaging with the world around them.
However, most of us must experience mistakes to develop and gain knowledge.
I have always strived to surround myself with the right kind of people.
Still, inevitably, there are always individuals who may seem pleasant on the surface yet ultimately prove to be selfish and only interested in using you for their benefit.
The social circles I navigate are teeming with ambitious individuals. Some offer unwavering support, while others display a cut-throat competitive nature, always expecting favours and never reciprocating.
Some individuals derive joy from boasting about their accomplishments, often overlooking the support and funding provided by others that helped them achieve their goals.
I feel it’s important to mention this because individuals like that tend to destroy the joy of others. It’s necessary to have a tough exterior when dealing with people of that nature.
I’ve discovered that my greatest joy comes from engaging in activities that ignite my passion.
Even before my transition, I never focused solely on myself. I have always been a supportive and encouraging individual, constantly putting the happiness of others before my own.
I have experience working with individuals facing terminal illnesses, and I have a deep understanding and compassion for those struggling with depression.
The ability to empathise sets you apart as an exceptional individual. Unfortunately, not everyone possesses this innate quality.
Be cautious of those who always have complaints; their negative energy can eventually harm your well-being.
Discovering my unique qualities and finding a sense of purpose in my life has been a source of great joy for me.
Life is difficult, but counting my blessings and finding gratitude was the key to feeling fulfilled. It allowed me to appreciate all my blessings.
Focusing on the negative aspects of your life is like building a wall that blocks happiness from entering.
I often advise my clients to acknowledge and explore any sad thoughts that come to mind but not to linger on them.
Allowing the opinions of others to control your life is another way of obstructing happiness.
When you find joy in a situation in life and everything is running smoothly, there is no need for uncertainty or hesitation.
I used to give up on things still within my reach, unknowingly building walls and barriers to my happiness.
True happiness lies within oneself. Discovering and embracing one’s true self rather than conforming to others’ expectations can unlock the key to genuine contentment.
Having the courage to believe in yourself and never letting anyone convince you otherwise.
In the fleeting moments of life, with the clock relentlessly ticking away, I count myself among the lucky few who seized the opportunity for self-discovery, self-healing, and personal growth.
Sadly, some people may never reach that self-awareness and instead choose to live vicariously through others.
Your age is irrelevant when it comes to making decisions for yourself. You hold the key to your happiness.
In everything, there must be a balance.
Natalie M Bleau
Scripture of Balance