I was just reading the papers earlier when I saw this article talking about happiness. The writer described happiness as an "elusive" thing, a "fleeting, hit-and-run kind" of sensation. Something you grab hold of when it's within your reach, knowing full well that you will lose your hold on it soon.

Is that really true?

To be honest, I've never thought of happiness in that way before..something temporary and "fleeting" which you will lose any moment.

Rather, I've always felt that happiness comes from knowing that certain things, events and people bring you joy. Can't it be a permanent thing? Like knowing the family and friends around me love me; isn't that pretty much permanent? It's not as though my mum loves me today and not tomorrow. That would be scary. Haha.

Then again..it's true that the definition of happiness differs from person to person. To some people, material wealth makes them happy; to others, it's the intangible things in life which matter most.

I won't deny that material wealth makes me happy; getting angbaos for CNY and presents for my birthday make me feel good. Who wouldn't like these? It's human nature to have wants, unless you are so far removed from the material world that none of these actually move you to a little bit of joy at all.

But there's also the intangible aspects of life which, I feel, bring greater happiness to me than money ever could. Even if I had all the money in the world, I wouldn't be truly happy without the people I have in my life now, the memories I hold dear, and the events I look forward to.

It really is very simple I think..happiness is not by chance, but by choice. And for me, choices don't necessarily mean only grabbing elusive occurrences to feel happy; I'd prefer to see it as being happy in the face of difficulties and challenges, because whether I choose to be happy or upset, those obstacles aren't going to disappear. So why not face up to them with a smile?

Hapiness isn't fleeting to me. It's whether or not I want it to stay.

And happiness is..

Knowing I have a family who's always there for me, rain or shine. A mum who pampers me till I get annoyed sometimes, a sister who makes me laugh to no end, a daddy whose memories I hold very dear.

Having friends who have been my pillar of support in times of need, who soar alongside me in times of joy, and who are just simply..there.

Having people who celebrate my birthday for me every year without fail..when I know some people don't get to celebrate at all.

Taking in the beauty of my surroundings and stopping to smell the flowers!

That sense of gratefulness when I'm uber stressed at work and my colleagues help me out in whatever ways they can..

Having the CNY week off because I have really nice bosses =)

Going shopping! And being hiao! =p

Taking a walk by the beach and feeling the wind blowing my hair into a huge mess.. =p

Baking!

Living in a little red dot on the map where everywhere is easily accessible, so I can visit my daddy whenever I want =)

Having late-night suppers and impromptu gatherings with my kakis!

Making things for people I care about and buying items which they likee. =)

Slacking in the passenger's seat of the car while looking up at the gorgeous, cloud-filled sky..

Having something to look forward to after a long day at work, be it a simple dinner out or a movie to catch..

Being able to run, walk, jump, play and shout all I want! To smell the lovely flowers, listen to the birds chirping merrily, look up at the blue blue sky and fluffy white clouds, enjoy good food which I love, hug the people I adore!

Sunsets, star-filled skies and rainbows!

Having someone you miss come back home..

But I guess most importantly, happiness is living life to the fullest. =)

i scribbled at
1:29 PM