I used to believe that happiness was something we had to work for—that if we achieved our goals, got a promotion at work, or took an exotic vacation, we would then be happy. However, when I reflect on my happy memories, none of those things usually come to mind. Instead, joy is always found in the most ordinary of circumstances, like watching my dog get excited for his afternoon walk or hearing my favourite song begin to play on the radio. It made me wonder whether finding happiness doesn't have to be difficult, contingent, or something we should devote our entire lives to. What if we could change our perspective to see happiness as little gems to be discovered in daily life? I wonder how many of us would stop chasing it and just enjoy each moment for what it is now. I believe that a happy life is not waiting for some perfect outcome but rather collecting small moments of joy in our everyday lives. Since I've changed my perspective, I see that the opportunity to be happy is always abundant and that it's up to us to seek it and embrace it.

I believe that we create a deeper connection with our environment, which provides a whole new lens through which to see life. If we embody this perspective, we may be satisfied with the simplest things, and everything else becomes a bonus. Find those tiny moments of delight every day, whether it's putting on your favourite socks in the morning, listening to your friend's contagious giggle, or enjoying someone's handwriting on a written message. This way, the entire world becomes a lot more detailed and intriguing.

There are a number of things to consider in each of our lives, and without taking some time to deliberately slow down, I don't think we can fully process everything that occurs. I think that having a routine is crucial because, if we are not careful, we may easily lose touch with our creativity, curiosity, and general sense of wonder due to monotony. When life feels hectic and overwhelming, I hope you take some time to intentionally slow down and embrace all the magic that comes with the slower pace. Despite what society may think, I don't think it's realistic to always be happy in all circumstances; sometimes we have to endure unfathomable pain.

It's much simpler to say than to do, but perhaps this can serve as a reminder to you that without the lows, we wouldn't truly feel the highs, and without the contrast of life, perhaps happiness wouldn't have any meaning at all. Thanks to technology and social media, we are all more connected than ever before, and this gives us the ability to rise above negative behaviors.

We all have our own blessings and challenges to overcome, and concentrating on the route may help us navigate life with empathy and understanding rather than envy and judgement. Our happiness or unhappiness should not be contingent on the actions of others.