By – Maruthai Ravindhiran

Joy comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are, whereas Happiness tend to be externally triggered and is based on other people, things, places, thoughts and events.

With things falling into place we could eagerly wait for political, economical, social and community stability to prevail in our Motherland which would yield qualitative and quantitative benefits to the public.

If you consider the Qualitative aspects we may harvest Peace, Harmony, symbiotic relationships among all communities, and the quantitative aspects may bring upon improvement in the income and improved standards of Living, Increased Productivity and Labour force, etc.

Despite the fact that we receive the above aspects, would it be possible for the people to be Happy and Joyful? My answer for this question is a simple “NO”.

Let me justify my statement.

HURRY AND WORRY – THE CULPRITS

Since the beginning of the new Millennium dramatic changes have taken place globally in particular the advanced Technology. With these changes which have taken place during the last two decades we have technologically advanced than ever before. This has made the mankind to be effective and efficient.

With technological changes and Globalisation taking place, the factor called, “Hurry and Worry” too have emerged. Thus, this has resulted in Physical and emotional illnesses such as Gastritis, Stomach Ulcers as well as Stress, Anxiety and Depression.

People have become as multi taskers where they are unable to complete any one task 100%.

The other aspect is that they do not give their 100%.

Let it be Living, Loving, Working or Praying the majority of them do multi tasking and do things half heartedly. They end up meeting disappointments which make them angry and act hastily Hence, they are not Happy or Joyful, but rather miserable.

This is the main reason why as a country we top the ranking on suicidal rates.

If you look at the children and younger generation they too are inflicted with mental trauma to a greater extent.

KNOW YOUR PULSE:

It is true and I quite understand your pulse. We are facing “multiple crises” including economics, political, social, financial and health due to the recent pandemic and its consequences. But, if you look at the opposites of crisis, you will become optimistic that there will be “light at the end of the tunnel”.

The opposites to crisis are;
Relief,miracle,
Blessing,resolution,favour,profit,privilege,happiness, joy, good fortune,boon,calm, pleasure,fortunateness,way out, plus point,trivia,help, fortuitousness,answer,win-win,bonus,Benison,providence,comfort, luck, peace,assistance,health,serendipity,
remedy,
Stability,agreement,advantage,
benefit,comfort, luck,placidly,rest,contentment, repose,advantageousness, relaxation, tranquility and Prosperity.

FINDING HAPPINESS AND JOY-THE WAY FORWARD

As an usual practice people “go in search of happiness”. In my humble opinion, when you “ search for happiness”or “chase happiness” you finally end up with disasters or sorrow. It is somewhat similar to “chasing a butterfly” where you never achieve it or find it extremely difficult to achieve it.
Some say that “happiness is a choice”. But, I strongly believe that “happiness is a decision”. “ It has to be practiced like a violin. Since happiness is transient we need to focus on the larger picture and that is to focus on “ being joyful”. This is a decision as well.

Finding joy could be very simple if you are a “ compassionate, kind, humble, caring, generous, helpful, empathetic and loving person expressing unconditional love. If so you will attract joy to your life.
Also, you will attract people towards you like a magnet.

Your “quality of life” will be then enhanced and miracles start happening in your work and Life.
Let me sum up by stating that as a result of leading a joyous life, you will also attract “Inner Peace”, “serenity” and “tranquillity “ to your life. Thus you will be “overwhelmed with joy in abundance” and “greatly inspired forever”.

LEADING A JOYFUL LIFE - SHARING MY EXPERIENCE

let me conclude that if you want to be Happy and Joyful give your very best, that is 100% to everything you do.

That means when you Live, Love, Work and Pray do it wholeheartedly.

Do one thing at a time and complete that task fully.

Do not get isolated from others and get engrossed with technical devices such as TV, Mobile Phones and Computers. Value and treasure your relationships with your Family members, Teachers, Peers and Friends.
Happiness and Joy are blessed to a group or team and you do not get it when you are secluded from people.

Pray to God regularly three times a day. When praying do not ask for materialistic favours, rather ask for strength, Stamina, Stability,Serenity, Peace, Power and Tranquility. Pray to gether with your Family members.

If some one has made a mistake or spoken against you please do not take revenge on them. Rather ”Forgive and Forget” as our Almighty God has taught us.

Be contended with what you have and what you get. Help the needy whenever possible. Avoid comparing with others. If you want to compare in terms of materialism then compare your self with those are below you and be contended with what you have thankful to God and share something with those who are below your status and be happy. If you want to compare in terms of spiritualism then compare yourself with those who are above you and learn from them and be Joyful.

This will make you to have a peaceful living. Always lead a “Joyful and modest life”.This is what we should expect from all our communities in our Motherland. Then perhaps ours will be a true Paradise Nation.

Learn to understand and realise who you are. Know your strengths and continuously improve upon those strengths. Know your weaknesses and convert those in to your strengths. Keep improving your self continuously. And when you improve your self help to improve others. Then work as a team and improve your family, School, Work Place, Society, Community and ultimately and eventually our Motherland. This is my secret to be Happy and Joyful.

”Do things Wholeheartedly”!

Always share your happiness and joy with others as it doubles your Happiness and Joy.
You should know that our Almighty God has created us to be Joyful.
Let us rejoice him. Let us all celebrate the festive season Whole heartedly!
Be Happy! Be Joyful!
May the dreams closest to your heart come true in this year.

(Maruthai Ravindhiran is a Professional Communication Specialist, Pharma Marketing Strategist and Trainer,Inspirational Writer and Speaker, Life Transformational and Life Management Coach.)