As we await the holidays this season, this poem reminds us that happiness does not come from materialistic desires.
The way this poem is crafted leaves the reader to believe they are reading the definitions of happiness and what happiness is not. It is an easy read due to the ample spacing that does not overwhelm the reader. The black and white background makes the message direct to the reader.
So, what does this poem truly mean?
Happiness is not something we can hold, buy, or use. It is not materialistic. No matter how much time we spend shopping on Amazon or buying the latest and trendiest items, if we find it fun, nothing that we will buy will fill the void of true happiness. Money does not buy happiness. That is a phrase that has been thrown around since the beginning of time, and I always thought money does buy happiness. Those with money have never wondered where their next meal is coming from, how they will pay for college, or if they will have new clothes for school. What I learned from this is money can alleviate stress, but the more money you have the harder it is to find happiness. Trivial things like free McDonald’s on the app does not make their day, and I cannot imagine life where I am not excited about free fries on the McDonalds app. Buying my car myself brought me a sense of pride and happiness to see I accomplished my goals and now they are tangible. Happiness is not about money, but the people around us and reaching goals we have set.
Now what is happiness?
The poem states that it is the freedom when you stop “craving for more, and when you feel like you can embrace change without fear.” I achieved true happiness. Sure, I am craving more. I want my dream internship, but I will walk any path that lies in front of me, and I will find happiness in all the people and life around me. Even if I am home over the summer, not learning and practicing skills for my career, there will still be events and community that will leave me to be happy. Embracing family and friends is what it truly means to be happy in my life, but happiness is obtained in several ways based on the person’s life. Never will I find happiness studying medicine, but it is a passion of my best friend, and it is what makes her happy. When dissecting a sheep’s brain, I am uneasy, she is overwhelmed with excitement. We all need to walk forward in life understanding what makes someone happy is different than what makes us happy. If picking at a sheep’s brain evokes interest, then let them dissect the sheep’s brain; I am happy with my studies of branding. People are different, and their needs are different as well, so the way they will achieve happiness is different from yours.