I often emphasize the importance of enjoying life, cultivating happiness, expressing gratitude and embracing a positive mindset. Those who know me well would attest that these sentiments aren't superficial; they are rooted in my personal journey. I wasn’t always in this state, you know, I learned to be happy and it wasn’t a matter of luck. In other words, it’s not that I’m happy because great things happened to me; rather, I believe great things happen to me because I learned to be happy and grateful. So now, I’m going to be vulnerable here and will share a piece of my story in hopes that it inspires others to connect to their happiness.
My path to happiness started with a simple and silly decision to just smile… when I was at the lowest point in my life. Going through a divorce left me feeling wounded, humiliated, and lacking in confidence. All my family was back in my home country and I failed at staying in touch with my friends, so I felt overwhelmingly lonely. I struggled to pay my rent, yet worked full-time while studying at a college also full-time. I had no time for myself, but even worse - I didn’t understand the importance of prioritizing my physical and mental health at the time.
Perhaps I could seek help but I wasn’t even in the right mental state to be able to accept it, I didn’t want to burden others. I felt that I had nothing to lose and no one to rely on but myself. I was determined that I had to pull myself out of this state and discover happiness from within. So one day, as I had tears in my eyes, I remembered this Russian song from my childhood, with the lyrics suggesting that a smile makes everything better. I decided that every time I felt miserable again, I sang myself this song and just smiled through the sadness and tears. And it worked, every time.
The mechanics of this “simply smile” technique are both physiological and psychological. Physiologically, smiling triggers a release of dopamine and serotonin, the happiness hormones, creating a genuine sense of joy. Essentially, you’re compelling yourself to be happy. Simultaneously, the psychological aspect is crucial; happiness is a choice. Many of us are conditioned to believe that external factors - good grades, career and financial success, or finding a partner—dictate our happiness. However, the truth is, you can choose to be happy right now.
The state of positivity and gratitude leads to beautiful things happening for you. I hope that today, you choose to be happy - tell this to yourself and start with a smile.
Remember, your unhappiness benefits no one (and those who gain from it aren't worth having in your life anyway). You are the architect of your happiness so start creating beauty and happiness for you and around you NOW. 😃
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