Happiness remains of utmost value to a person in his life. We work hard to achieve happiness and everything we do is to make ourselves happy.
But what are we really looking for? A huge mansion? An expensive car? An insane amount of money? Let's assume we have all those things. What now? I think the hunger for money or better car or bigger house does not end. When you have one, you will want another. When you have another, you will want one more.
The key word we are looking for in life, and this might come as a surprise to you, is not happiness , it's contentment.
Now the more complicated question, 'How can I be contented if I do not have money or a luxury car or a big house?'
The beauty of contentment is that it will make you happy with what you have, rather than wanting more out of your life. I have come across so many people who barely make both ends meet, they do not have any bank balances, or cars, or bungalows; but if you were to ask them how their lives were, they would promptly reply, 'I am really blessed!'
The idea of happiness has taken a new form in today's world. We have associated happiness with material things.
But in reality, happiness is a feeling. You can feel happy with someone giving you a smile, your child playing with you, your siblings hugging you, your parents appreciating you for something you did for them.
What is more important to feel happy (or contented), is to look at the people having less than what you already have. It has always helped me overcome my discontentment to see people around me who have less money, smaller houses, lesser resources and smaller cars. I always thank God for his blessings when I look at those people.
It also creates a sense of responsibility in my mind towards my community and I try to help out such people in any way I can. This type of thinking, not only benefits you as an individual, but also promotes a healthy society where people support each other.