The (futile) pursuit of happiness

Do you ever feel that you're constantly being told that being "happy" is the secret to life? That as long you're happy, then nothing else matters. I do. I also think it's a load of crap and a huge amount of pressure that we'll never live up to. I've written about this before a few times.

I know so many people who live their lives (and I've been guilty of it too) thinking that when 'x' happens they'll be happy. Whether it's when they get that job, reach a number on the scales, buy the perfect house, find the perfect partner.

One, I don't believe that happiness is the secret of life. I don't think it's possible to find the mystical 'true' happiness, I believe it's a bit of a dangling carrot. I believe that there's 'happiness' in every small thing we do each day if you choose to look.

Travelling and living in Dubai has made me think that 'finding true happiness' is a first world luxury. The vast majority of the world live to survive. To put food in their families mouths. To put a roof over their head. If they're lucky, to give their children an education and a life slightly better than their own. Dubai is filled with people looking to make their lives better for themselves and for their families. You feel it in the air, it's a hunger and belief that things will be/can be better. From the CEOs of multinational corporations to the blue-garbed labourers.

I often look at the gardeners, the cleaners, the maids, the labourers and wonder if they're happy. Happy with their lives here in, what to me, is not the best of circumstances - to be away from your home and often to be away from your children for years at a time. I then wonder, if they wonder if they're happy. It's a little too much for my white, privileged mind to take in at times.

Then the thought of pursuing happiness, especially through a waist size or owning new toy, seems fairly ridiculous and futile. You may not be struck down with giddying happiness when you get what you think you want, in fact I'll go as far to say as you won't. Instead, think about what made you happy today, however small. A hot cup of tea. A cuddle with your kids. Hearing your favourite song on the radio. A laugh with your mates. A phone call with an old friend. In the end, this is what makes up the happiness of life.

What has made you happy today?