Have you ever thought of hundreds of strangers on the road as sources of infinite happiness? Since being born as a thinking being is a privilege, you can’t afford to let go the opportunities to pursue happiness just because you have not met some people before.
Don’t Search for Happiness, Pursue Happiness
Some days back, I boarded a bus to a place I had never been to. When I got down, I had no clue which way to go to reach my relative’s house. This stranger agreed to escort me. We didn’t talk much, but at the end of my journey, I had treasured a slice of his life. The way he relished peanuts, the interest he took in the construction of the road near the market and his apathy towards bus drivers – all these characteristics will stay with me.
While I was in search of my destination, the stranger guided me into his life. Help was just a part of the event. The sheer comfort I shared while pursuing a stranger was a move towards pursuing happiness.
Pursue Happiness with an Open Mind
Often, we wander in search of happiness, looking for people with certain traits. Rather, if we go out with an open mind and embrace everybody for what is unique about them, there are unlimited sources of happiness at our disposal. Have faith in the basic goodness of people. Trust the fact that everybody wants to pursue happiness. When you take the first step of knowing strangers, you not only pursue your own happiness, but also contribute to their lives.
When you meet a stranger next, ask yourself… Do you want to be a stranger to happiness? If the answer is no, look into the eyes of the stranger. You have made a new beginning to pursue happiness.
I would like to add that many times happiness finds you when you reach out to help other people and engage in their lives.
Very true, Carrie. Happiness multiplies when people meet.
Very true, We often look at people with pre set notions in our mind. It’s time we set aside such thoughts and behavior and look at people and situations with a open mind.
A very good post Ankit, i am really amazed by the variety of topics and thoughts that you write on and that too do it so well.
Thank you so much Neena. It is appreciation like this that motivates me to share more of my beliefs with readers.
The portion that you have touched in your comment reminds me of a post by Priya http://www.homeofbeliefs.com/what-to-expect-from-expectations/
Interacting with people having a particular attitude is an expectation that delays our happiness, and goes against its maximization.
What is wonderful about this post is its positivity right from the first sentence…
There are so many people we interact with, who add a little something to our lives. We may not even exchange a word, but they are like the sunlight that warms us on a cold day even if we dont acknowledge its presence, even if we dont look up at it, even if we dont thank god that its there in our life
thats such a thoughtful comment, Priya… thanks