Blog by: Lata Advani Viseu

“You used to think that it was so easy
You used to say that it was so easy
But you’re tryin’, you’re tryin’ now

Another year and then you’d be happy
Just one more year and then you’d be happy
But you’re cryin’, you’re cryin’ now“
Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty

Those lines always land somewhere deep. They remind me of the times I used to tell myself that if I could just get through one more year, everything would finally fall into place and, then I’d be happy.

I have learnt that the years just keep passing by, and things don’t fall into place automatically. Happiness isn’t out there, and material things only give you joy for a little while and, the rest fades so quickly.

We think that if we had more, or better, or bigger, we’d finally feel complete. But wherever you go, there you are. Wanting never ends.

If you aren’t grateful or content now, getting what you want won’t suddenly make you happier. It feeds the ego for a moment, but soon you’ll want something else, something shinier, something louder. That wanting is an elusive beast that never rests, always yearning for more.

I have learned that you don’t really need much to be happy. It’s the people, the family, the friends that make life feel full. The moments you share, the memories you carry, those stay. Everything else is just things that weigh you down.

We come into this world alone, and we leave with nothing. So, what we gather along the way, love, connection, moments, that’s what truly matters. We only get one chance in this life so follow your heart instead of material things.

In the end, happiness isn’t something we chase into the future, it’s something we choose in the middle of our ordinary days.

Quotes

“You can never get enough of what you don’t really need.” — Eric Hoffer

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” — Epictetus

“The desire for more is the root of all unhappiness.” — Buddha (attributed)

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” — Robert Brault

“Wherever you are, be there.” — Jim Elliot