By May Olano
As the world celebrated International Happiness Day, many of us are prompted to ask ourselves, “Masaya ka ba?” or “Are you happy?” This question may seem simple, yet it carries a profound meaning. In a world filled with challenges, uncertainties, and pressures, it’s not always easy to answer. But on this special day, let’s take a moment to reflect on what happiness really means and how we can find it in our lives.
Happiness is often seen as something we must chase. We believe that once we have enough money, a successful career, or the perfect relationships, we will finally be happy. But the truth is, happiness isn’t something we can simply acquire or achieve. It is an emotion, a state of mind, that comes from within. It’s about how we choose to view the world around us, and how we handle the ups and downs of life.
It can be seen as an invitation to check in with ourselves. Are we taking care of our mental and emotional health? Are we appreciating the small moments of joy in our daily lives? Often, we get so caught up in striving for big goals that we forget to enjoy the little things, like a good meal, a walk in nature, or a conversation with a friend. These moments can bring us true happiness if we allow ourselves to notice them.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that happiness isn’t always constant. Life is full of challenges, and it’s okay to feel sad, stressed, or overwhelmed sometimes. In fact, those moments make us appreciate happiness even more. Recognizing our emotions, both good and bad, is part of being human. It’s okay to admit that you’re not always happy, but it’s equally important to know that happiness can return when we focus on the positive.
We are reminded that happiness is not just an individual experience. It’s something that can be shared with others. When we spread kindness, offer support, and make an effort to lift others up, we contribute to a collective sense of happiness. It’s the small acts of kindness, such as a smile or a helping hand, that can make a huge difference in someone’s day.
The idea of happiness is deeply personal, yet universal. For some, it might mean spending time with family, while for others, it may be pursuing a passion or achieving a personal goal. What makes one person happy might not have the same effect on someone else, and that’s perfectly okay. We all have our own unique paths to happiness.
It’s important to remind ourselves that happiness is a journey, not a destination. It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment, but about finding joy in the present. While challenges are inevitable, happiness can still be found by focusing on the things we can control, practicing gratitude, and nurturing positive relationships.
If the answer is no to the question “Masaya ka ba?”, let’s think about what we can do to bring more happiness into our lives, no matter how big or small. Because happiness is within our reach, and it’s up to us to embrace it, share it, and make the world a brighter place for everyone.
