Happiness

A state of mind

Way too familiar and yet seemingly distant

In both action, thought and effort

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Why does it seem

That this feeling

Now comes along

With various price tags, labels and conditions

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Further increasing our sense of entitlement

As if it is our inherent right

As we keep wandering from one place to another

From one state of mind to another

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If I get “this”, I will be happy

If “this” happens, I will be happy

Forsaking the moment present at hand and what we have

Simply look around you, you are richer than you think

Let’s all count our blessings!

Wherever we go

We are constantly followed by our shadow

In all ways and directions

Difficult to find a way to separate

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Its hint of gray

Reminds us every day

How things are not

Always black and white

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Not everyone who embarked on this journey

Will remain with us till the end

However, they will always remain with us

In the forms of memories, smiles, laughter, anger, pain or tears

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As we come to realize

The most important relationship to nurture

Is the one you have with yourself

Hold on to your key of happiness

Don’t let it go easily…

Expectations, disappointments and regrets

Are often part of the cocktail

Which knocks us over

Into great darkness and despair

---

As we tirelessly put great efforts and try

Yet, things still go awry

Reminding us at every step

To stay determined  and persevere

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It’s not always easy to tackle adversity

Still, surmounting the challenges and obstacles

Bring great satisfaction

And a sense of self-realization

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Just keep going!

Have trust in your abilities

As we feel humbled and grateful

For the opportunity to just keep on trying

 

Kindness, compassion and benevolence

Qualities that are all being promoted and encouraged

Slowly realizing the pretense

Of the society which is being polluted

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With all kinds of vices

Be it ego, hatred and impatience

Always searching for some appropriateness

Helping to fulfill our self-interests

---

Yet, peace of mind is not achieved

Coming home feeling defeated

Tired of wandering around

Looking for a place to lean down

---

As we finally come to terms

With our own insecurities

It’s ok to not always have the answers

The effort to get them and  to learn from that

Is more fulfilling and ever-lasting; simply look within

 

 

 

 

Silence

Can be harrowing for some

And calming for others

As it often fills the air with fear, tension and awkwardness

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However, the irony remains of it

Still being considered

As a sign of

Weakness, shyness and cowardice

---

Thus overlooking

The pain, struggle and tears

Of trying to keep everything together

And just move on…

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As its prolongation

Is a constant reminder

Of the mistake to err

As the end result becomes greater

Than our personal growth and what we learn

Identity is

Something that we make and inherit

And, at times remodel it

Through our experiences and knowledge

---

Our name, skin color, religion, environment, culture

In other words nature vs. nurture

A never ending debate

Which tries to relate

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The various components

The most important being

Our own personal struggles

To come to terms with

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The never ending need to portray

That everything has been figured out

Whilst trivializing the ever changing

Dynamics of our everyday lives

As we come face-to-face

With our inherent strength

 

 

 

 

Ups and downs are part of life

Then why does it always have to be fair

As if everything had to gel from the beginning

Having this desire to become immune from everything

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Discouragement and despair

Are slowly taking over

Self-esteem and confidence slowly being shattered

Standing in bewilderment looking at the current state of affairs

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Fear not!

As this is a temporary phase

Instead on focusing on what we lose

Let’s focus on what we gain and how we can grow from it

---

Take this opportunity

To learn more about yourself

Uncover your newly found inner limits

Which will help you bring a step closer to the path of self-discovery, truth and contentment

 

In our every day fast-paced lives

Where everyone seems to be in a rush

To get through their day

Similar to that of being in a race

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Cringing away in fear and worries

Losing a bit of ourselves along the way

Fulfilling our responsibilities to the best of our abilities

Trying to find a sense of relief and meaning every day

---

Slow down, take a deep breath

Take some time to appreciate

The life you have received

And, enjoy the moment

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Take a moment to smile

Take a moment to compliment someone

Take a moment to encourage and forgive yourself

And, take a moment to share something with everyone

 

 

From our childhood, our parents taught us many things

Being honest/truthful, no lying, no cheating/deceit…

Encouraging us at every little step

Instilling in us the values of humanity and humility

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However as we move on in life

We come to realize that things

Are more complex than they seem

Society has its own rules and systems

---

Conceitedness, cunningness, distrustfulness, corruption

All being part of it

Still, they do not represent who we all truly are…

Then how can we rise above it?

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The seeds of

Love, empathy, compassion, resilience and patience

Are all waiting to blossom

The most important to remember being

To stay true to yourself

 

 

 

Trying to figure out what to do next

Trying to figure out the right path

To help you bring a step closer to what is called “normal”

But, what is normal?

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It has a different meaning for everyone

However, many are still trying to fit into the social norms

Have already searched above and beyond

In all directions and venues possible

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But nothing seems to make sense

Just a blurry vision

Still trying to figure out your worth

But hey, did not give that right to anyone

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No one but you know yourself better

No one but you can determine your own worth

As you come to realize

You had the answers all along…