Poem-Create Your Own Happy Day-Response to Brenda Arledge’s Word Prompt-Week 54-Happy
I love poetry. I am a lifestyle enthusiast and like to write articles and poems on lifestyle changes that benefit people.
Word Prompts Help Creativity ~ Week 54-Happy
We writers at Hubpages are lucky to have a friend and mentor like Brenda who inspires us to write by giving us weekly word prompts. We enjoy responding to these word prompts and look forward to new word prompts each week. This week she has given us the word prompt ‘Happy’. The word immediately made me smile when I thought about all the things that make us happy. But when we ask people what makes them happy, we may get answers like more money, material comfort, success at career etc. But these superficial things can bring joy, momentarily, they can make one unhappy in the long run. So, then what does it mean to be truly happy?
What is Happiness?
The idea of feeling happy may differ from person to person. Some people may feel happy being with family and friends, some being with children and pets, just admiring nature, some when they buy a new house or car or get a new job with a good pay package. After the covid pandemic struck the world unawares, many felt they were happy to be alive. Some try to distract themselves from life’s problems by binge watching TV, indulging in endless shopping, mindless eating, etc. But the joy that one gets from objects or materialistic things is temporary. True happiness is more subjective and long lasting. Experts are of the opinion that some basic things are needed to make us happy. So what are these basic things that make us truly happy, according to experts.
Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.
— Francesca Reigler
How to be Happy According to Science
In an online course launched by the University of Berkeley in 2014 by two psychologists, with a goal to teach students to be happy through science and practice, they had amazing results. Thousands of students participated and learned about the science of connection, compassion, gratitude and mindfulness. They also completed a series of simple activities to increase happiness. by putting these ideas into practice, the participants observed that their positive feelings increased week after week and they experienced more enthusiasm, affection and amusement. They also felt a greater sense of community. The happy feelings remained in them even four months after the course ended.
Misconceptions about Happiness
Generally, there is a misconception that happiness is in one’s genes and cannot be changed. Researchers have now proved that while 50% of one’s happiness is determined by one’s genes, 10% by life circumstances, 40% is determined by one’s daily activities. Though the theory was initially criticized as being too simple, now it has been widely accepted. It makes people feel good to know that one’s happy feelings are within one’s control. We also need to accept the fact that we cannot be happy all the time. We humans are not designed that way. That is to feel pure joy every hour of every day. It is impractical and not logical. Like during difficult situations, loss of a job or someone near to us. The concept is to build our resilience to overcome these difficulties and regain the contented and happy feelings.
After many studies and much research, experts came to a consensus that some basic things are needed to make us happy. They are a combination of good habits, taking care of our physical and mental health, accepting ourselves and others around us, that make us truly happy.
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour.
— Anonymous
Summary of the Poem
Happiness is a state of mind. It is a feeling of pleasure or well-being and sought by all. What makes people happy is the focal point of research for psychologists, scientists, and philosophers for centuries. They came up with three main concepts that make people happy. They are meaningful relationships, pursuing a hobby or work that one is passionate about and the third is helping someone in need or giving back to the community. I have created a poem on how you can design your life around habits that make you happy and develop a positive mindset, and be able to conquer any obstacles that come along the way. I hope dear Brenda and my Hubber friends like my response.
I have decided to be happy, because it’s good for my health.
— Voltaire
Poem-Create Your Own Happy Day-Response to Brenda Arledge’s word Prompt-week 54
When you are having a really bad day
And when nothing seems to go your way
Wrapped up in the same boring routine
Don’t give up, just look at the bright side
Precious are each one of those days
For they are made up of moments to cherish.
You are lucky to be in this world
With its amazing sights and experiences
Life is more than going through day to day
It is about getting there, seeking the world
Making memories and living with no regrets.
Appreciate the wonders of nature around you
Experience the beauty of the oceans, the wildflowers
Stop and breathe and look around and enjoy
Soak in the beautiful world that you live in
You are in charge, make every day a happy day.
When you look at the splendid ocean
You will find the solitude that you crave
The silence soothes and the mind gets calm
In that instant you forget all aches and pains
and with every wave your happiness just soars.
Start your day with happiness and gratitude
Your mindset and attitude are everything
So focus on the positives to manifest joy
Be kind to yourself and take time to pause
Do a good deed, and help someone in need.
The pieces of a puzzle together make a whole picture
Embrace each moment and be grateful for your life
Spend time with family, in nature, or alone
Follow your heart and create memories to cherish
Focus on being happy and it will bring you more joy.
It is within yourself to design your life
Around things that make you happy
So, you can live your best life
You are beautiful and unique,
Divinely made and an extension of God
So, be confident in yourself and shine like a star.
© 2022 VIDYA D SAGAR