There is a challenge going around right now called “100 Happy Days.”

It urges us to see the brighter side of life, to find happiness in the everyday life we take for granted, and the people we take for granted. It makes us see the silver lining that laces all our days. It makes us savour the simple joys of life like an orange stick on a hot day, a cup of morning tea next to your bed, a quiet walk by the lake, our favourite song on the radio, sleeping late on Sundays.

I have also tried to desperately find happiness in Zara and Forever 21 but I quickly realized they do not hug you back.

As someone wise once said “The best things in life aren’t things.”

Here are some things that I have found bring me real joy:

Happiness is a warm cup of Darjeeling tea.

Happiness is changing into dry socks and settling to the warmth of the room heater after getting drenched in the rain.

Happiness is getting drenched in that rain on a rooftop with him.

Happiness is three words: I Love You.

Happiness is two words: It’s benign.

Happiness is vanilla ice cream.

Happiness is vanilla ice cream at midnight.

Happiness is looking at your parents and wanting the same for yourself. 

Happiness is eight friends spread across the globe in one whatsapp group.

Happiness is the smell of pages of the books.

Happiness is March winds.

Happiness is leaving the office while its still daylight.

Happiness is when your sister allows you to wear her favourite boots.

Happiness is Autumn.

Happiness is comfortable silences.

Happiness is lying on your terrace and watching the stars at night during a power outage.

 

Happiness is about the little things that make it to the big places in our hearts.

It might be hidden between the jeans that your mom folded neatly and placed in your otherwise messy wardrobe, or in your favourite peanut butter and jam sandwich that he made you lovingly that day when you just couldn’t get out of bed.

We may as well stop looking for happiness in malls or diets because happiness is as simple as the smell of our freshly washed pyjamas.

 

 

 

 

Author: Upali Zimba

Editor: Renée Picard

Image: Unsplash/Mayur Gala