The reason why you lack happiness

After the sun descended,

Dark clouds wrapped around the sky

Casting a shadow over the world below…

When I decided to stroll down for a brisk walk.

And as I sat on a swing in the park after a while,

Memories of my childhood days came rushing back

Transporting me to a time filled with joy and innocence.

Playing with the fellow kids who came there,

Engaging in playful battles,

Everything for that coveted spot on the swing.

But seeing the playing area completely empty made me think,

Why was this so?

The world is definitely getting smarter,

But there was something truly unique and special about the time,

Before smartphones took over our lives.

Playing endless rounds of hide and seek,

Where the biggest worry we had was to avoid being found first.

It was a time when our imaginations ran wild,

Turning ordinary hiding spots into secret fortresses,

And each round became an adventure of its own.

The time where collecting Cricket Attax cards,

Was like a secret obsession that united our friend circle.

We'd eagerly trade cards,

Hoping to complete our teams and get that elusive golden card.

Having one of those shiny treasures felt like possessing a slice of superiority,

A bragging right that instantly elevated my status amongst my friends.

The reason why all this jolliness is missing:

In the pre-mobile era,

Children would gather in the neighborhood after school,

Laughters echoing through the streets.

It was a time when the only screen they knew was the open sky above,

And their friendships blossomed

Through face-to-face interactions and shared adventures.

But as the years passed,

A silent shift occurred.

The rise of social media and the internet changed the landscape of childhood.

Suddenly,

Screens took center stage,

And the physical world became secondary.

Children began to connect through online platforms,

Engaging in virtual games and socializing through likes and comments.

While technology brought convenience and new opportunities,

Something vital was lost.

The tangible connections,

The moments of:

• unfiltered laughter

• sharing triumph and defeat

Were gradually replaced by emojis and text messages.

Imagine this:

A village nestled in a picturesque valley,

Where people lived harmoniously.

The villagers would gather in the village square,

Sharing stories, laughter, and the warmth of human connection.

They found joy in the little things: a sunset painting the sky in vibrant hues,

The sound of children playing,

Or a heartfelt conversation with a friend while a peaceful walk across the farms.

But as time went on,

A restlessness settled upon the village.

The allure of the digital world beckoned,

Promising a world of excitement, achievement, and validation.

In this pursuit, something precious was lost.

Happiness became a fleeting illusion,

Measured by likes, followers, and fleeting moments of online validation.

The village square grew quieter,

The laughter faded,

And the once-thriving community fragmented

Into individual bubbles of disconnected souls.

Understand this:

Humans have an insatiable hunger for more.

They chase their desires relentlessly, be it:

• Gaining X amount of followers after hitting Y

• Comments/likes as a form of appreciation

• Validation about their work through various means

Often forgetting the privileges they already possess.

The countless little blessings that are right in front of them,

Waiting to be acknowledged.

As simple as a:

• warm cup of tea on a chilly morning,

• A genuine smile from a loved one,

• Or the soothing sound of raindrops on the window.

These micro-givings often go unnoticed,

Overshadowed by the ever-present longing for more.

But here’s a popular trick to overcome this:

Gather all your devices, like smartphones and laptops, and lock them away

FOR 24 HOURS.

Now how would you enjoy your time?

The answer lies within you,

And it's up to you to reflect on those answers

Put them into action asap

Take a moment to ponder and identify what truly brings you joy,

Then incorporate those things into your life subtly.

The secret to breaking free from that cycle and reclaiming your true self

That’s it for the day folks.

I hope you have a joyful weekend.

Peace,
V.