The critical importance of friends on your happiness | Mike Duffy | TEDx...

Even though it has not been that long since my last post, I felt compelled to write about happiness. An interesting yet elusive term for some. However, more so about the social aspect of it than the feeling per-se. In the following, not only will I explain what happiness means in my own words, but provide some insight on how having people we can trust around us, can in fact make our journey to happiness more attainable.

 

Most dictionaries will tell you that happiness is: "The state of being happy", which does not help us whatsoever in finding its true meaning. To many, being happy has to do with being wealthy and successful. For some other people happiness is tied to staying out of trouble. We all have our own definition of happiness. Nonetheless, if there is something all of us can agree on regarding happiness, it is friendships. Being lonely will certainly not aid you in your quest for happiness. Thus, the need for us to have people in our lives besides our family we can rely upon. Case in point, when we encounter a problem in our lives, more often than not, we seek  the advice of a friend over that of a family member. Of course it is a two-way street so to speak. If we expect assistance from our friends in tough situations, we also have to be there for them when they need us.

 

Moreover, in the video I will share as well as this post, the speaker mentions how help can be exponential. To illustrate my point, let me give you an example. When you assist someone in need and provide them with an opportunity to improve themselves, the result will be more than promising. If there is anything you can do to help a younger person. Especially in your line of work, do not hesitate in giving a hand. That disciple you take on may even continue your good work and duplicate your action by helping someone who is also in a bad situation in the future.

 

There is not a road map that will take you straight to happiness. Nor is there an instruction manual on how to attain bliss. Be that as it may, most of us have experienced being happy to a certain extent. Even if it has not been for very long. For instance, reading your favorite book or eating your favorite meal can bring you some happiness. Doing what we enjoy can lead us to happiness. Regardless of how hard life may seem at times. Having a few joyful moments is in fact better than feeling sorry for the things we yet do not have. What is more, we can focus on what we can do while working towards our long-term goals. Hence, once we reach them, we will too be able enjoy other satisfying experiences. Due to us naturally having the means to provide ourselves with those opportunities by that point.

 

Lastly, I would reiterate my previews statement on: "How by cherishing our good moments, we can even motivate ourselves to pursue our long-term goals". The aforesaid is essential to success. Despite some people saying that success does not equal happiness, I beg to differ. It may not bring joy by itself, but it will definitely lead you there.

Sources:
- Personal experience.
- TedX Talks YouTube Channel.