When we talk about happiness, we often imagine a state where we are happy all the time—every day, every moment. We want to live a life where nothing unpleasant happens, and happiness is our only reality. We try to create an environment where the only goal is to be happy, avoiding everything that disrupts this feeling.
But what is the true meaning of happiness?
Happiness Is Not Just About Feeling Good
Happiness is like your favorite food. If you eat it every day, it will no longer bring the same excitement. However, when you get to enjoy it after a long time, every bite feels more satisfying. So, is it the food itself that makes you happy, or is it the experience of longing for it and finally having it that brings joy?
To truly understand the true meaning of happiness, we must also experience sadness, challenges, and struggles. Only by knowing what pain feels like can we appreciate moments of joy.
The Biggest Myth About Happiness
One of the greatest misconceptions is believing that others are always happy.
Most people admire those who seem to live perfect lives, assuming they must be the happiest. From childhood, we are taught to present ourselves in a way that suggests we are always doing well—an illusion that only exists in fairy tales. On social media, people showcase only their best moments, creating a distorted version of happiness.
This leads us to compare our struggles with others’ highlights, making us feel that we lack happiness.
Life Is Not Perfect, and That’s Okay
No one has a perfect life. Even the most successful, wealthy, or admired individuals face their struggles.
When we feel overwhelmed by negative emotions, we desperately try to escape them. I, too, have faced countless difficulties—moments when I thought I wouldn’t make it through, when years of hard work felt wasted. But over time, I learned that overcoming these challenges is what builds real strength and resilience.
How Struggles Help Us Grow
Difficult times teach us patience. When I reflect on my past hardships, I realize they have given me the courage to face my current challenges.
Instead of chasing happiness, focus on becoming a person who naturally experiences happiness.
Wanting to be happy is normal, but to truly find the true meaning of happiness, we must first let go of the idea that happiness equals a perfect life.
Stop Chasing Happiness—Start Living It
If everything in life happened effortlessly, I would be worried. The struggles we overcome shape us, help us grow, and teach us to support others. If life were perfect, we wouldn’t develop empathy or resilience.
To find the true meaning of happiness, stop running after it. Instead, focus on how you navigate both the good and bad times.
Practice gratitude. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, appreciate how far you’ve come.
I remember a time when I had no clear identity or career path. Watching my friends progress in life while I struggled made me feel discouraged. But I didn’t give up. Eventually, I found my purpose through SpikeStory. Forgetting about success or failure, I focused on doing what I loved, and that in itself brought me happiness.
This experience constantly reminds me that happiness is not about avoiding struggles but embracing them. I truly believe that to walk towards the light, we must first understand the darkness.
Happiness and Hardships Coexist
So, what does this mean for you? Your life will be filled with happiness, love, and incredible moments—laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories. But it will also be filled with challenges, disappointments, and hardships.
When you experience joy, embrace it. When you face sorrow, don’t run from it. Instead, use your happy moments as strength to get through the difficult times.
If you truly want to experience the true meaning of happiness, don’t chase it—learn to feel it.
