This really reminded me of something I read a while ago (I annoyingly can't find or remember the source) where a writer talked about how she was just as happy at home by herself as she was receiving some grand award in front of hundreds of people.
I think we often think of happiness as existing within life's headlines, but it's more often buried in the smaller stuff.
Relate sooo hard to the "not living past 25" point. I was an incredibly troubled teenager, and for good reason, but my "special" age I thought I couldn't reach was 27. I am now 28. And the most stable and fulfilled I've been.
And I agree that we've been taught intelligence some at a cost. It's so strange our societal perception of you can never have it all! Wonderful post :)
Thank you for teaching me the most important thing you've learned in life, because this attitude changes so much. I, too, am a 'recovering sad-person-who-thought-they-were-too-smart-to-be-happy', and find that people tend to look down on you when you're particularly positive. Have you ever felt this?
Nonetheless, I've learned the hard way that being happy requires a lot of changes, mostly the building of habits. I've written a lot about the importance of building rituals and habits that foster calmness, but it takes time for it to click. As it is with all habits.
Also, I absolutely love that photo you added at the end, by Sotce. I always go back to it when I feel frustrated that I am "not happy enough". It's the smallest moments that build up into a beautiful life.
This reflection is beautifully insightful and heartwarming. I love how you intertwine happiness, success, and self-awareness, showing that joy is found in the everyday moments we create for ourselves. Your shift from the outdated idea that intelligence and sadness go hand in hand is empowering, and your message about romanticizing life authentically resonates deeply. You remind us that happiness isn't a distant goal, but a daily practice of finding contentment in the small, meaningful things. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and reminding us all to live with intention and joy!! ❤️😎
This was a day (and maybe life) altering read. As someone who doesn’t identify as a happy person, thinking about happiness as a choice is revolutionary. About to go romanticize this cool September day in New York. Thank you for this!
Erifili, gorgeous, just gorgeous thank you for that. I read it as I ate two corn muffins with tons of butter and had a cuppa tea. And yes, I put sugar in my tea. My diabetes is under reasonable control and life is too short to be bitter.
Great article. The "If you’re so smart..." lead-in hints at a particularly lofty self-perception and personality type that has difficultly self-validating and self-soothing.
So lovely! I especially liked the reframe of what it means to be smart… that being smart is giving yourself what you need and really want. Aha moment. You’re good at sparking those!
I appreciate this so much!! I too shared the same sentiment before (too smart to be happy) but realize being able to be content with your life is much much harder
Such an amazing essay, I think that we hope that happiness has to be something really exciting or something that needs to change the perception of your life, but the tiniest things are happiness and that also makes people wait for something else, ignoring the little pieces of happiness that they have everyday and waiting for something more.
The title reminds me of Jeff Buckley's version of I Know It's Over, and the contents remind me of when I was 14 and struggling in a new country but trying to make the most of every day. Thank you for providing a refreshing take on happiness, and how real intelligence is choosing joy in spite of it all :)
This really reminded me of something I read a while ago (I annoyingly can't find or remember the source) where a writer talked about how she was just as happy at home by herself as she was receiving some grand award in front of hundreds of people.
I think we often think of happiness as existing within life's headlines, but it's more often buried in the smaller stuff.
Really loved this!
Thank you for sharing (& reading)!! 🫶
Anytime!🙌
Try having a cup of tea! ☕️
Relate sooo hard to the "not living past 25" point. I was an incredibly troubled teenager, and for good reason, but my "special" age I thought I couldn't reach was 27. I am now 28. And the most stable and fulfilled I've been.
And I agree that we've been taught intelligence some at a cost. It's so strange our societal perception of you can never have it all! Wonderful post :)
Thank you so much! 💞💞💞
Thank you for teaching me the most important thing you've learned in life, because this attitude changes so much. I, too, am a 'recovering sad-person-who-thought-they-were-too-smart-to-be-happy', and find that people tend to look down on you when you're particularly positive. Have you ever felt this?
Nonetheless, I've learned the hard way that being happy requires a lot of changes, mostly the building of habits. I've written a lot about the importance of building rituals and habits that foster calmness, but it takes time for it to click. As it is with all habits.
Also, I absolutely love that photo you added at the end, by Sotce. I always go back to it when I feel frustrated that I am "not happy enough". It's the smallest moments that build up into a beautiful life.
<3 Much love
Thank you so much for reading and sharing!! 💕💕💕
This reflection is beautifully insightful and heartwarming. I love how you intertwine happiness, success, and self-awareness, showing that joy is found in the everyday moments we create for ourselves. Your shift from the outdated idea that intelligence and sadness go hand in hand is empowering, and your message about romanticizing life authentically resonates deeply. You remind us that happiness isn't a distant goal, but a daily practice of finding contentment in the small, meaningful things. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and reminding us all to live with intention and joy!! ❤️😎
This was a day (and maybe life) altering read. As someone who doesn’t identify as a happy person, thinking about happiness as a choice is revolutionary. About to go romanticize this cool September day in New York. Thank you for this!
Thank you, thank you, thank youuuu 🥹 made my day!
Erifili, gorgeous, just gorgeous thank you for that. I read it as I ate two corn muffins with tons of butter and had a cuppa tea. And yes, I put sugar in my tea. My diabetes is under reasonable control and life is too short to be bitter.
Great article. The "If you’re so smart..." lead-in hints at a particularly lofty self-perception and personality type that has difficultly self-validating and self-soothing.
So lovely! I especially liked the reframe of what it means to be smart… that being smart is giving yourself what you need and really want. Aha moment. You’re good at sparking those!
Ahh thank you so much!
Totally agree with you Erifili! Happiness is a decision you make.
Yes!! So good
Thank you!!🥺💘
I appreciate this so much!! I too shared the same sentiment before (too smart to be happy) but realize being able to be content with your life is much much harder
💜💜💜
I absolutely love this
Thank you🥹💖
Such an amazing essay, I think that we hope that happiness has to be something really exciting or something that needs to change the perception of your life, but the tiniest things are happiness and that also makes people wait for something else, ignoring the little pieces of happiness that they have everyday and waiting for something more.
I really enjoyed your essay💕♡
The title reminds me of Jeff Buckley's version of I Know It's Over, and the contents remind me of when I was 14 and struggling in a new country but trying to make the most of every day. Thank you for providing a refreshing take on happiness, and how real intelligence is choosing joy in spite of it all :)