“It’s more selfless to act happy. It takes energy,
generosity, and discipline to be unfailingly lighthearted, yet everyone takes
the happy person for granted. No one is careful of his feelings or tries to
keep his spirits high. He seems self sufficient; he becomes a cushion for
others. And because happiness seems unforced, that person usually gets no
credit. … Because she seemed happy, they assumed that her behavior was
effortless. … Now I wonder how effortless this really is.”
-The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin-
As I was walking home from the MRT station today, I suddenly
noticed the leaves falling gently and the nice cool breeze. I am usually a very
fast walker (no thanks to Singapore’s fast paced culture) but just this once, I
slowed down my pace, and suddenly I saw things in a different light. I was
smiling to myself, and the 10 or so pedestrians who walked past me might have
thought I was out of my mind, but I couldn’t help it. What is there not to be
happy about?
The breeze was blowing in my hair. The trees looked
beautiful. The sky was grey and calm. I could pull off walking effortlessly and
elegantly in my 3-inch heels. I was in my favorite skirt. My favorite song was
playing on my iPod. I had a book in my hand, an iPod in my bag, and gorgeous
hair. I have awesome friends with whom I have awesome times. What else could
one ask for?
Sure, just a few hours ago I had stained my panties bright
red with blood. I had to force myself to ask a stranger for a change of
sanitary pads. I’m unemployed and money is tight. I’m being kicked out of my
own home due to renovations and am forced to temporarily live somewhere else,
with a limited supply of clothes. My broken phone screen costs $300 to fix.
But you know what?
Rachel’s Guidelines to Living No. 14: You are happy now, not
later.
P.S.: Who says a woman on her period can't stay cheerful?
P.S.: Who says a woman on her period can't stay cheerful?
