One of the significant lessons I have learned is that happiness is enhanced by minute events happening in an individual’s daily life. I designated a day to understand whether my experience with happiness matches the theoretical part I have learned throughout the course. My day started with an ordinary physical workout. I went for a run with my parents and two siblings. Afterwards, I helped my parents prepare and park their lunch as they were heading out for work. I then got ready and attended my driving classes. Later on, I attended a friend’s birthday party. I had to be home on time to take my two siblings and our dog for a walk. During the day, I had several frustrations, but I clearly understood how self-drive, connection and accomplishments serve as keys to happiness.
During the morning run, I tripped and bruised my knee. The pain that I felt for several seconds was so immense. I struggled to keep myself from crying, but from the look on my face, one could tell that it was not to be taken lightly. But I was rejuvenated once my family stopped on their track and came back. They surrounded me, patting my back and assuring me that I would be okay. Surprisingly, I found myself forgetting the pain and instead admiring how concerned they were about me. This experience is in line with the film It’s a Wonderful Life. George finds fulfilment in material wealth and being surrounded by the ones he loves most. Zuzu, Harry and Clarence surround him, making him feel accepted and appreciated (Capra, 1946). As my family whispered lovely words, I felt I could take on any challenge. I was back on track after several minutes.
Also, happiness is derived from the feeling of self-reliance. Accomplishing things without depending too much on others gives one a feeling of prestige. This is reflected in the film The Pursuit of Happyness. Christopher can regain his happiness by navigating through his financial challenges with his self-drive and motivation (Muccino, 2006). When I got home from the morning run, I went straight into preparing a packed lunch for my parents. They later on appeared surprised that I did it without being told. Their shock sent me into a wave of self-pride, having accomplished something without waiting to be reminded.
Furthermore, being in driving classes gave me a certain level of happiness. I was excited by the experiences I was exposed to and the opportunity to learn something new. As our instructor took us through a few traffic rules, I could not help but smile at the thought of how soon I would have my license and I would tour places I had bookmarked as my chauffeur! This aligns with the classroom discussion based on the film Groundhog Day. Phil Connors is first frustrated by his act of living a single day repeatedly. However, he learns to make new experiences from each moment, turning his frustration into happiness. He learns how to play the piano and keeps on practising to the extent that he becomes perfect (Ramis, 1993). This impresses the residents around him, giving him a sense of accomplishment.
Moreover, another aspect of happiness is making friends and encouraging happier moments. Angel (2008) argues that individuals with a pact of friends around them have an inner feeling of belonging. It helps shape their identity and facilitates their fitting into social groups (Adler Graduate School, 2024). I experienced this feeling when I attended one of my friends’ birthday parties. There was so much fun at the event. Everything enhanced my happiness from the music played, the food and drinks shared, and the conversations we made as we reminded each other of the naughty experiences we had gone through. I went home feeling a sense of renewal. Social life plays a role in enhancing happiness (McMahon, 2004). Anyone with acquaintances who make them smile will likely bounce back from disappointments.
Furthermore, the courage to express one’s feelings contributes to happiness. This involves understanding one’s boundaries and expressing expectations healthily (Ware, 2022). Seeing others change and become their better selves due to one’s efforts is fulfilling enough. As soon as I arrived from the party, I found that one of my siblings had taken my laptop and had left it exposed close to the tap in the kitchen. I called her immediately and explained why I was disappointed in what she did. I had spent so many hours working and saving for the laptop, and if it broke down, my efforts would be futile. I watched her realize her mistake and apologized. I was glad she learned that people invest a lot in their belongings.
As I took the dog out for a walk, I could not help but feel it held an important position in our family life. Stearns (2012) argues that the ability to contribute to a cheerful family setting gives one a sense of accomplishment. We held hands, laughed merrily and took pictures. The joy of seeing my siblings happy was greater than anything else. As Taber (n.d) argues, completion and fulfilment are among the elements that foster happiness. As we approached the end of the walk and the day, I felt I had been productive the whole day. I looked forward to the next day.
Taber, M. (n.d). The Etymology of Happiness, and Some Related Words. St Mary’s College of Maryland. http://faculty.smcm.edu/mstaber/etymhapp.htm
McMahon, D. M. (2004). The history of happiness, 400 B.C. – A.D. 1780. https://www.amacad.org/publication/history-happiness-400-bc-ad-1780
Stearns, P. N. (2012). The history of happiness. Harvard Business Review, 90(1-2), 104-109. https://hbr.org/2012/01/the-history-of-happiness
Ware, B. (2022). The Top Five Regrets of the Dying (Marathi). Manjul Publishing. https://bronnieware.com/blog/regrets-of-the-dying/
Angel, J. (2008). 10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy. https://www.yesmagazine.org/issue/sustainable-happiness/2008/11/01/10-things-science-says-will-make-you
Ramis, H. (1993). Groundhog Day. A Film. Columbia Pictures.
Capra, F. (1947). It’s a Wonderful Life. A Film. RKO Radio Pictures.
Muccino, G. (2006). The Pursuit of Happyness. A Film. Columbia Pictures.
Adler Graduate School. (2024). Alfred Adler: Theory and Application. https://www.alfredadler.edu/about/alfred-adler-theory-application/