The Happiness Habit

Author: Reenu M.

Juhi was so happy when she left the building. She had landed her dream job after a series of really exhausting four interviews. There was so much competition, but she had aced it. She treated herself to pizza and cakes even though it was not her cheat day. Food really made her happy, but it also added many kgs onto her frame. Today, she did not care how many extra weight she put on; so euphoric was she. Shopping, another favourite activity was next on the cards. And, she shopped like a maniac; after all she, a small-town girl was shifting to Bangalore. The farthest she had ever been was to Delhi for visiting paternal family members. She was so excited about living without any restrictions as she had here.

She reached home and seeing her parents’ face, the fizz in her happy spirits started reducing. They did not look like they were glad. Her mother just told her that tea was ready, and her father continued with his gardening after nodding at her.

No congratulations, no pride in her achievement!

Juhi was so upset that she missed a step and landed badly on her left ankle with all her shopping strewn around and under her. She was in terrible pain. Her father rushed her to the hospital where they said she had a ligament tear. Even though no cast was required, she was to be complete bed rest for at least two weeks. Juhi & her father came back in silence from the hospital. She felt this was such bad luck.

Her mother fussed over her. Her elder sister, a counsellor practising in Kanpur arrived a short while later. Juhi complained how hurt she was at her parents’ attitude. She ranted over how she had always tried to make them proud of her but how she failed. Then there was this mishap.

Her sister patiently listened to Juhi. Then she asked her, “Juhi, you landed your dream job. You were so happy that you bought a lot of things. But this job is going to take you away from our parents. They are proud of you, but they are going to miss you more especially since you won’t be coming home now & then like me. Instead of giving them time to digest this, you became upset and fell down. But, you have only a ligament tear and 2-weeks bed rest which gives our parents ample time to spend with you till you leave. Imagine if you had a cast, how would you have left for Bangalore? Instead of concentrating on the positives and continue being happy about your job, why are you choosing to focus on the minor things & complaining?”

Juhi reflected on her sister’ words.

Zinger for the Day:

Happiness is a habit. Habit formation requires constant practice. Practise being happy every chance you get.