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Happiness can actually mean different things to different people although it is most times based on a physical/palpable or mental achievement.
To some people happiness is the feeling of satisfaction they get once they have had enough food. To others happiness is the feeling they get when they acquire the latest gadgets. To Some others happiness comes from wearing the most trendy clothes and perfumes and to these ones, happiness is based off of how they look and appear. Some others base their happiness on their achievements at work and are never happy except they get a good commendation, a promotion or they win a contract.
Happiness truly can mean different things to different people and as such it can't be tagged with a particular definition but in all happiness comes with a good feeling within oneself.
Over the years and at different points in my life, different things have brought happiness to me. To me happiness means more than just acquiring the latest gadgets, eating good food or even getting a good grade or promotion. No doubts, these things bring happiness but my own definition of happiness is based off of how I can affect people positively, how I can make them smile and how I can find peace within myself.
I remember years back when I was hired to coach a child that was to go for a science and maths competition. The boy also had several entrance examinations to write and I was also asked to prepare him for the exams too.
The child was quite scared and didn't believe so much in himself. He didn't believe he could win the competition because he felt inadequate. The competition was to have students from the most prestigious schools in attendance and he didn't believe he could match those students.
His dad didn't believe so much in his abilities too. He didn't feel he could do so well. He just wished for an average grade and advised that we worked towards that.
I was almost alone. I knew he was sufficient and capable although I understood that his issues were more psychological than physical. I understand I needed to help him get rid of self doubt and negative thoughts.
I had to encourage him . I gave him several pep talks to change his mindset about himself. It took a while but gradually his thoughts of himself began to change and he became positive.
I studied with him. We studied really hard together as I continued encouraging him. He studied day and night and prepared adequately for the exam.
He went in for the exam and was quite shocked at the outcome. Although he didn't emerge as the winner, he came out 2nd.
He was so happy with himself. I could see the joy in his face. He thanked me very much.
His dad was very happy too. we had surpassed his expectations. He also thanked me very much and even gave me gifts.
I was so happy too. It's was as if I was the one that had won the prize. The fact that they were happy gave me so much joy. I was happy I could put smiles on their faces. I was happy I could make them feel better about themselves.
After that event, I realized that true happiness comes from putting smiles on people's faces.
