When I first read the
title of the article, it struck me as a literary piece that would explore
personal thoughts and opinions, shaped by the author’s unique perspective. As
someone who also considers himself a writer, particularly through my blog where
I share my views on topics close to me… my profession, my experiences, and the
truths I’ve learned in life, I understood the approach. However, I don’t write
with the intention of pleasing everyone. There are times when I look back on my
work and feel regret and insignificance, later on I felt the need to delete the post, much like
how I reacted to Nat Rutherford's article.
The title of the article
seemed to carry a sense of negativity, along with a conservative approach to
the subject matter. In today’s world, who sets out to define happiness? It’s
like trying to define what it means to be gay, to be a brother, or to be a friend.
Can words truly capture the depth of these feelings or the affection we hold
for others?
As I reflected on
Rutherford’s words, I came to the conclusion that happiness is something that
cannot be easily defined or measured. It is a deeply personal and subjective
experience that goes beyond simple explanation.
When my father was in the
hospital battling leukemia, I couldn’t be with him, so I had to rely on my
mother, who was the only one allowed to stay, for updates. Each day, I was
filled with anxiety, worried about how his body would respond to the treatments.
But when my mother told me that he was doing fine, especially that his
temperature was normal, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and happiness.
Those moments were incredibly important to me—they were a source of joy and
gratitude that I cherished deeply. This kind of happiness was different from
what Nat Rutherford describes. For me, it wasn’t about expectations or
standards; it was about appreciating the present moment and the simple fact
that my father had made it through another day. I believe Rutherford's
perspective on happiness misses these nuances. Instead of viewing happiness as
flawed or a trap, I think we should celebrate and savor the moments of
happiness we experience.
Happiness, in its purest
form, is a natural and universal emotion, a response that our bodies and minds
experience when something aligns with our desires, expectations, or values.
When you describe happiness as a "congratulatory event," you're recognizing
it as a moment worthy of celebration, a milestone that deserves acknowledgment.
This perspective places happiness in a positive light, highlighting its role as
a marker of success, fulfillment, or simple contentment.
We emphasize that
happiness is not just a choice, but also an intrinsic part of the human
experience, something that naturally occurs as a reaction to certain events or
circumstances. My viewpoint suggests that happiness, being a spontaneous and
genuine response, should never be seen as flawed. It's a real, valid emotion
that reflects our internal state at any given moment.
To question or disregard
someone's happiness is to overlook the authenticity of their experience.
Emotions, including happiness, are deeply personal and subjective; they arise
from an individual's unique perspective and life experiences. Dismissing someone's
happiness would be akin to denying their reality, which can be both
invalidating and hurtful. Each person's emotional landscape is shaped by their
journey, and their happiness, however fleeting or profound, is a testament to
that journey.
Moreover, the idea that
happiness could be "flawed" might stem from a misunderstanding or
misjudgment of what happiness represents. While some may argue that certain
forms of happiness are superficial or temporary, it's essential to recognize that
all forms of happiness carry meaning for the individual experiencing them.
Whether it's the joy of a small accomplishment or the deep contentment from a
life well-lived, each instance of happiness deserves respect.
Happiness, in this sense, is a natural reaction,
much like hunger or thirst. It's a signal from our bodies and minds, indicating
that something positive has occurred. Just as we wouldn't question someone's
physical need for food or water, we shouldn't question their emotional need for
happiness. It's a fundamental aspect of being human, and by honoring it, we
honor the person experiencing it.
I believe that
Rutherford's work does not seek to change the fundamental meaning of happiness.
Instead, it emphasizes how external factors can influence the happiness of
adults. While this is a valuable insight, it’s important to remember that
happiness itself is a natural and intrinsic emotion. Rutherford’s analysis
would be enriched by focusing more on how everyday small joys contribute to
happiness and by highlighting the importance of cultivating an attitude of
gratitude.
I hope that everyone can
find happiness in all its diverse forms. My wish is for this article to serve
as an inspiration, showing that happiness is about embracing joy fully, without
hesitation or concern for potential consequences. Happiness is experienced
without fear or doubt, simply by allowing oneself to feel and appreciate it in
its entirety.
Lastly, I believe that’s
why we sometimes experience tears of happiness. Traditionally, tears are often
associated with pain and suffering, as they are a common response to
distressing situations. However, tears can also be a profound expression of joy
and contentment.
When we are deeply moved
by happiness whether due to a significant achievement, a heartfelt reunion, or
a moment of pure joy. Our emotions can overflow, manifesting as tears. This
phenomenon occurs because happiness, like sorrow, is a powerful and intense
emotion that can affect us physically.
Tears of happiness reveal
the depth of our emotional experiences, showing that our capacity for joy is
just as profound as our capacity for sadness.
Our emotions, whether
through laughter, tears, or silence, is a natural and meaningful part of being
human.
While expressing happiness
might come naturally, I hope it’s just as easy to put those feelings into
words.
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