Happiness for Happiness

"Happiness could be found in the smallest of things only if you let yourself find it." 

It gives us immense pleasure to make someone happy, isn't it?

I think the act of giving, letting go, sacrifice, freedom, optimism are the reasons that make us feel satisfied and content.

Offering a kid a bite of your chocolate, an elderly woman a seat in the bus, helping a blind person cross the street are those simple moments of joy that one should be looking for.

It was just yesterday, on the eve of Gudi Padwa (an Indian festival) when my friends and I distributed buttermilk to the policemen of my city. We often forget how important role do they play in our lives. And hence, we decided to celebrate Padwa with them. It is difficult to put it in words the satisfaction I witnessed on their face when they had their first drop of buttermilk standing in the middle of the road in the scorching March heat. Their hardship has gained even more respect from all of us.

That is where I found Happiness in place of Happiness.

To narrate an anecdote from my trip abroad last month, my friend had requested me to buy him a box of his favorite cookies. That joy I saw on his face after he had the first bite of his cookie is inexplicable. It couldn't have made me happier.

And once more I found happiness in place of Happiness.

I am sure everyone has one such story to narrate from their "Happiness for Happiness" box. And if you don't, make one. Fill that empty jar with random act of kindness and prove the famous quote (Money can't buy Happiness) right. Because it really can't.

So much attachment, but why?

I write this article after my trip abroad last month. I met some generous people from around the world during my stay. It couldn't have been a more emotional affair than this one. I lived with these people for a couple of days. Attended classes with them, had lunch and dinner with them and saw them day in and day out. 

Our two week stay was about to come to an end and it was time for us to say our good-byes. And like we know, good-byes are the toughest words to say. I had never been attached to anyone so much after my Quebecois family. 

It is amusing how you meet someone from a foreign land, spend some time with them and boom! I wouldn't feel shy or ashamed to confess that I cried on our last day of the trip. 

So what gets us so emotional?  So much attachment but why?

The very thought of never knowing when would be the next time you would meet such kindhearted people all at once broke me down. It was the same sadness I experienced while waving a goodbye to my Quebecois family three years ago. A simple thank-you isn't enough to equate the love and affection my French family has extended.  

I also wept while saying good-bye to one of my Indian friend whom I met during the weekend on my trip. Even after knowing I would be meeting her this May, I wept. We spent two entire days laughing, giggling, sight-seeing and that is what got us together and perhaps that is what touched me. I would like to thank her from the bottom of my heart for those two memorable days.  

What also fascinates me is how strangers from a completely different part of the world you never knew existed suddenly become a part of your family. How their simple gestures touch you. 

There was so much I learnt, there was so much emotional baggage I brought back home for all the good reasons. There are some people you cannot forget, the short time you spend with them is worth a lifetime. The time I spent with them in understanding the French, the Indian, the Algerian, the Kazakh, the Cambodian culture was and is unforgettable. Where else would you get to meet so many people from so many different nations sharing their love, warmth and their enthusiasm?

Coming back to 'good-byes', while I was at the airport heading back home, standing in the queue waiting for my turn to check-in I noticed a young couple who hugged and kissed each other. The girl's emotions knew no bounds. She probably wasn't going to see her better-half for a while. Their relationship was going travel long distance now. 

So even though I knew I wasn't going to see my Quebecois family for a longtime after my 2 week stay with them or the amiable people I met last month, what exactly bonded us?  Or the young boy and girl at the airport why were they so hitched to each other when they knew one had to leave?

After seeing so many sentiments, I started wondering and what prompted me to write this article, why do we fight so much when all that everyone wants is "to stay to together"?