As we all know that the happiness is the best gift one can give to and receive from others. In today's world, when we have started joining the blind race for achieving materialistic well being, happiness has become a scarce commodity. Happy are those people, who live life on their own conditions, live simplistic and contented life. Late Mr. Khushwant Singh, noted writer and columnist was one such person, who lived life on his own terms, aired his views on everything bluntly and straight-forwardly and inspired a whole lot of our generation with his witty and humorous take on different aspects of life. At the advanced age of 96, he gave us 10 rules to stay happy in life in his article "how to live and die". I think, these practical rules are more relevant in today's world, especially for those, who are in constant pursuit of happiness, but don't know the right way.
Here i am reproducing his article for the benefit of those, who have not come across this fabulous piece of writing by Mr. Khushwant Singh.
How to Stay Happy in Life:
First and foremost is good health. If you do not enjoy good health, you can never be happy. Any ailment, however trivial, will deduct something from your happiness.
 |
| Image Courtey: silverspoon.co.uk |
Second, a healthy bank balance. It need not run into crores, but it should be enough to provide for comforts, and there should be something to spare for recreation— eating out, going to the movies, travel and holidays in the hills or by the sea. Shortage of money can be demoralising. Living on credit or borrowing is demeaning and lowers one in one’s own eyes.
Third, your own home. Rented places can never give you the comfort or security of a home that is yours for keeps. If it has garden space, all the better. Plant your own trees and flowers, see them grow and blossom, and cultivate a sense of kinship with them.
 |
| Image Courtesy : riskmgtgroup.com |
Fourth, an understanding companion, be it your spouse or a friend.
If you have too many misunderstandings, it robs you of your peace of mind. It is better to be divorced than to be quarreling all the time.
 |
| Image Courtesy : ivcounselling.com |
Fifth, stop envying those who have done better than you in life—risen higher, made more money, or earned more fame. Envy can be corroding; avoid comparing yourself with others.
 |
| Image Courtesy: redeemingmarriages.com |
Sixth, do not allow people to descend on you for gup-shup. By the time you get rid of them, you will feel exhausted and poisoned by their gossip-mongering.
 |
| Whoever gossips to you, will gossip about you! Image Courtesy : vk.com |
Seventh, cultivate a hobby or two that will fulfill you—gardening, reading, writing, painting, playing or listening to music. Going to clubs or parties to get free drinks, or to meet celebrities, is a criminal waste of time. It’s important to concentrate on something that keeps you occupied meaningfully.
 |
| Image Courtesy : touchtalent.com |
Eighth, every morning and evening devote 15 minutes to introspection. In the mornings, 10 minutes should be spent in keeping the mind absolute!
 |
| Image Courtesy : syntheism.org |
Ninth, don’t lose your temper. Try not to be short-tempered, or vengeful. Even when a friend has been rude, just move on.
Tenth, Above all, when the time comes to go, one should go like a man without any regret or grievance against anyone. Iqbal said it beautifully in a couplet in Persian: “You ask me about the signs of a man of faith? When death comes to him, he has a smile on his lips.”
I would love to hear from you on how to be happy in life and do you think these rules are easy to be practised.
No comments:
Post a Comment