It was the International Day of Happiness last week and I missed it but mind doctors say you can be happy whenever you wish.
The world has been celebrating Happiness Day since 2013 because people today are stressed out, basically because of the uncertainties about their jobs and family problems.
“I always thought family problems are eternal, ” I said.
“Why are you grinning like a moron?” my wife asked as I whistled my favourite tune and moved happily from room to room in our apartment.
“Philosophers have said, ‘Smile and the world smiles with you’, I said and quickly added looking at my wife’s face, “Maybe they were wrong,”
Stay positive
“Mind doctors say, “Be around positive people. People who support and encourage will increase your happiness quotient’,” I said.
“What is there to be happy about. Bassama (our maid) has got vaccinated and is sick at home with a fever and headache. Look at the dishes in the sink. Schools are closing their gates once again in the neighbouring state as infections are shooting up north and two families in the next community have tested positive,” she said.
“Look at the bright side of things,” I said. Now that she has got her shots we don’t have to jump and be paranoid every time Bassama sneezes or coughs and we don’t have to stuff her mouth with masks,” I said.
As one great statesman once said, “Be happy, it drives people crazy. We must strive to make this a happy world,” I said.
“Mark Twain once said, ‘Some cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go,” said my wife. “Don’t you have to go shopping?”
Be content
“Don’t think about what you don’t have, be happy with what you have,” I said.
“We don’t have onions and garlic,” said my wife. “Pick up some happy veggies,” she said.
“It’s not stuff that you buy that makes people happy, according to money experts, ” I said. “They say experiences in your life is what counts, and one will cherish them more than things. They suggest we travel and experience new places and new cultures, not worry about cabbages and pumpkins,” I said.
“Don’t forget to get desi ghee. Bassama says it makes the carrot halwa more delicious,” said my wife. “It is also mango season, your fav fruit is in the market,” she said, knowing that I am a foodie and food is my only joy, next to sleeping.
“It will be a good exercise for you and it will get you out of this miserable flat,” said my wife. “Exercise, even a short walk to the grocery shop, will release happy hormones in your body and make you happy,” she said.
“Did you know that money can’t really buy you happiness. I just read in a psychology journal that one needs just a basic amount per month to keep us happy, beyond that amount, happiness does not increase,” I said.
“How much?” asked my wife.
“It says here, that about $2500 per month should do the trick. That’s about INR 1.8 lakhs per month,” I said.
“That’s a lot of money. See, money does buy happiness,” she said.
A happiness expert says it does not take much to make people happy.
It may seem bleak and dark in these pandemic times, but talk to friends online and go for a walk in nature, learn a new language, learn to play a musical instrument. Just give happiness a chance, she says.
Mahmood Saberi is a storyteller and blogger based in Bengaluru, India. Twitter: @mahmood_saberi
