I watched this movie a while ago, and it was based on the theme of happiness and appreciation. Since then, I've been thinking about happiness a lot.
There's a bit in the movie, where one of the characters sits in a cab, very upset and distraught from her life. The cab driver turns to her and says that the Universe wants her to have a lot of happiness, a blissful life, but in order to feel these positive things - she needs to be more grateful about what she has. He says that she can do this by a simple "thank you" to the Universe, for everything she has.. Followed by "more please".
Perhaps you'd have to watch the scene to understand the type of effect it could have. But to me that was put so well. And it's so simple to do.
As people, we are very selfish. As time goes on, we only get more and more selfish and self absorbed and drawn in to the spiral that is our lives. I hardly ever hear people telling me they are happy with their lives or with what they have. The only thing I ever hear is what they don't have, and what they may have in the future, but miss out on being grateful for what they have for the moment. It's actually quite sad, because people often forget that there are billions out there, that are worse off than they are. Being simply grateful for something like having running water - hot and cold to choose from - or even warm socks to wear everyday, really makes you appreciate the tiniest of things, thereby making you happier as a person. You stop complaining and moaning about the things you don't have, I find.
I've been like this for a while (thankfully!), but I have my moments sometimes where I get caught up in what I want to have in the future - be it something better for myself in terms of a job, house, family, etc - It's still a want. However, I know when to bring myself back to the present moment and appreciate everything I have. It's so important to do so, yet people forget to so easily. Maybe you don't have the flashiest car, the best job or a great salary, but at least you're not left hungry at the end of the day and you know when you come home you will have food to eat.
I think if we try and count the things that make us happy at the end of our day we would end up with a massive list of things that we'd be grateful for. I think both happiness and having appreciation for life itself and the people who surround you go hand in hand. One cannot exist without the other.
It's really easy to think of everything you don't have, and those who are no longer in your lives, but the people that are still there should be acknowledged and be loved just the same.
It's a great thing to do - and you'll be surprised at how quickly you start feeling a little bit more happy.
As per usual, here's an appropriate song. (PS - I hate how YouTube now has all these adverts!)
