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.
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.
Erifili, your words give one the sensation of entering an enchanted forest. Wonder awakens; hope arises; a lively light expands the heart. Thank you for such an encouraging vision and clarity of thought. Your talents obviously revolve around caring expressions, but your gift is this soulful ministration: you make people feel better. I think I can speak for all of your readership when I say how much we truly appreciate your inspiring work. I wish you much success and many more magical moments.
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 :)
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 Your shift from the outdated idea that intelligence and sadness go hand in hand is empowering, and your message about romanticizing life authentically resonates deeply.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!
I loved the point of romanticizing your life without the thought of being perceived. Throw away outside perception all together and hopefully with that the true perception of the individual can emerge
Reading your essays feeks like riding the perfect wave without even making an effort. What a talent!- writing this effortlessly aptly makes your message even more beautiful. Thanks for an amazing essay!
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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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!🙌
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!! 💕💕💕
Try having a cup of tea! ☕️
Erifili, your words give one the sensation of entering an enchanted forest. Wonder awakens; hope arises; a lively light expands the heart. Thank you for such an encouraging vision and clarity of thought. Your talents obviously revolve around caring expressions, but your gift is this soulful ministration: you make people feel better. I think I can speak for all of your readership when I say how much we truly appreciate your inspiring work. I wish you much success and many more magical moments.
Thank you for the kindest comment!
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! 💞💞💞
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!
this is beautiful
thank you so much!
I loved the point of romanticizing your life without the thought of being perceived. Throw away outside perception all together and hopefully with that the true perception of the individual can emerge
I loved this article. I think everyone should read it.
Thank you, it means a lot 🥹
I love this so much <3
Thank you!! 💜💜
Reading your essays feeks like riding the perfect wave without even making an effort. What a talent!- writing this effortlessly aptly makes your message even more beautiful. Thanks for an amazing essay!
Ahhh 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💕♡
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.
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 :)
thank you!! i love jeff buckley and his version of that song, thank you for reading this ❤️
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.