Happiness
Q: What is that one thing you are looking for in life?
A: Happiness
Q: Does going on outings, eat-outs, shopping, movies, sports give you that true happiness you are looking for?
A: No
Q: So, should one stop doing all the above?
A: No, who said?
Q: Then?
A: Do it in the right perspective. Don't look for happiness in what can never give you what you are actually looking for. Know what you want first and then take steps in the same direction!
We relate excitement, joy, pleasure, fun to happiness. We can achieve excitement, joy, pleasure, fun readily and easily at places like shopping malls, amusement parks, movies, or any other lascivious activities. However, this takes us in the exact opposite direction of where we should actually head to achieve that true happiness we are looking for.
Doing the above acts is not wrong in any way, but doing that continuously with the hope that it will give us happiness gets us addicted to those acts. We, thus, think that these temporary stimulants are giving us happiness, and we continue to do them.
There comes a stage in life when we can no longer sustain ourselves through these activities. Very simple example is that of certain lascivious acts that we either get bored of after a certain age, or we are no longer potential to do those. Another example is that of looking good. We do everything possible to look good in our 20s, but once we cross the 30s, there is a limit to the extent to which our body co-operates with us. Now, where is that happiness? Gone with the 20s? Not really.
If you looked for happiness in gossiping with others, dominating others, or in any of the materialistic activities above, there will definitely be one day when you will be unhappy or sad. Buy a car, but not for happiness, for your comfort, or for your need. Buy a beautiful dress, but not for happiness, for because you like to buy it. Go out for excursions, but not for happiness, for a change in climate, environment, daily routine, and relaxation.
Remember, the mind affects the body, not the other way round.