From a young age, I have wished for everyone around me to be happy. On one hand, I think this is influenced by my Asian culture, where the well-being of others is often emphasized. On the other hand, this deep desire to make a difference and help everyone discover their own key to happiness is a personal aspiration that is dear to me.
What I realize is that our desires and choices are often influenced by our surroundings, the experiences of others, and especially by fear. The fear of not being good enough, of being judged, humiliated, or ridiculed, can distance us from our true essence and what we deeply want. These fears and influences can lead us to live out of sync with ourselves and ignore our true desires.
Finding our own key to happiness begins with a deep self-knowledge and acceptance of who we truly are. It also involves developing authentic and secure relationships that allow us to be ourselves without fear.
There are many sayings about the importance of leading a balanced life. But what does that really mean? The definition of a balanced life can vary considerably from person to person. That’s why it’s crucial to know yourself well, understand your own needs, and recognize your personal mechanisms and limits to define what constitutes balance and happiness for yourself.
Ultimately, the key to happiness is individual and personalized. It lies in the ability to be true to oneself while surrounding oneself with people who support and respect this authenticity. It is this path towards self-knowledge and self-acceptance that allows us to find our own path to happiness. I wish for everyone to be able to pause for a moment and take the time to really get to know themselves. Like the sloth, an animal that perfectly embodies slowness and serenity, we all need to slow down to fully savor every moment of life. In our modern society, where everything seems to move at a frantic pace, we are often too absorbed by our responsibilities, the expectations of others, and the rhythm imposed by daily life. It then becomes easy to lose sight of who we are deep down, and what we truly desire.
