LETTER: Yesterday, March 20, was the International Day of Happiness. But how are we? How has the past two years changed us?
Does happiness still mean the same? Can it be bought? In this materialistic and consumer-driven society, it seems everything has a price.
From the absurdities of million-dollar investment in non-fungible tokens to space trips, money satisfies any desire.
It is when life takes a different turn that our priorities and values change.
Many of us are content to have a home, health, food, job and provide for others. That is already a blessing.
Where do we find happiness? Is it in the United States, the world's richest country?
Or in Finland, ranked the happiest country in the United Nations World Happiness Report?
What about Bhutan, which measures progress with a Gross National Happiness Index instead of gross domestic product?
Could it be in the metaverse? Plugged into any illusory realm to escape boredom or stress, we can be anything or do everything in it.
However, the reality is, happiness is a mindset.
It does not matter where you are. It depends on us. It is found within ourselves.
How do we attain happiness? What is the definition of being happy?
Ever since the Greeks, philosophers have thought about it, but the answer remains elusive.
Are we expecting modern curriculum — such as coding or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) — to accomplish the task?
Humans desire to be happy but happiness does not come easy.
No matter what we do, to live happily is a skill. It requires a life-long effort and time to learn the skills.
Much depends on how we view things.
We suffer when our expectations and reality differ. Lessons on adjusting and coping are not taught in school.
Let's hope the last couple of years have not passed in vain.
Though we have no idea what may come tomorrow, happiness is being appreciative, living the moment.
Life can be complicated and tough but happiness can be found even in the simplest of things.
Happiness is also not about self. In these most difficult times when we know there are people around us who care, that's good enough.
Lastly, there could be no happiness without peace.
In a world riven by war and conflict, let us pray and work for peace for all. Perhaps it's not too late to still dream about it.
I leave you with lyrics from John Lennon's meaningful song, Imagine:
"You may say I'm a dreamer,
But I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us,
And the world will live as one."
CHEAH C.F.
Johor Baru, Johor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times