Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the elusive nature of happiness. Questions like ‘What really brings me joy?’, ‘Am I genuinely happy?’ and ‘If not, why?’ have been on my mind.
In today’s world, where societal pressures and economic instability add to the chaos and uncertainty dominating headlines, the quest for happiness seems more challenging than ever.
Happiness Through the Ages
For centuries, humans have been fascinated by the pursuit of happiness. Over time, our perceptions of what brings joy and how to attain it have evolved, shaped by cultural and societal changes.
Darrin M. McMahon’s book The History of Happiness, 400 B.C. - A.D. 1780 traces the evolution of ideas about happiness throughout history. In ancient Greece and Rome, happiness was intricately linked to fulfilling one’s natural purpose or moral virtue, emphasizing the connection between a person’s character and actions. During the Middle Ages, societal beliefs were profoundly influenced by the Church, equating happiness with salvation and eternal life in the afterlife. The Renaissance witnessed a resurgence of secular and humanistic values regarding happiness, celebrating human potential and the pursuit of earthly pleasures. Subsequently, the Enlightenment Era, marked a further shift towards secularism, with happiness regarded as a natural right to be pursued in this lifetime.1
Cultural norms also play a significant role in shaping perceptions and approaches to happiness, guiding individuals in prioritizing values, goals, and behaviours. While some societies prioritize individual achievement and material wealth, others place greater importance on social harmony and spiritual enlightenment.
Today, regardless of personal beliefs, the pursuit of happiness has become a central preoccupation, leading to the widespread popularity of self-help literature, wellness trends, and industries focused on promoting happiness.
But are we any happier?
Finding Your Path
Given that personal happiness can be shaped by various factors such as circumstances and individual preferences, what brings joy to one person may not necessarily have the same effect on another. As Cha Jeong-suk expresses in Episode 10 of Doctor Cha, “I’ll find the path that leads to my happiness on my own.” Nevertheless, there are certain strategies that seem to have a universally positive impact.
Define Your Happy
Reflect on your own definition of happiness and what it means in your life. The more you can articulate it, the easier it is to achieve. As Oh Deok-rye says in Episode 2 of Doctor Cha, “Happiness isn’t rocket science. Start with something small. Something you like the best.”Cultivate Positive Relationships
Surrounding ourselves with positive individuals can profoundly impact our happiness and well-being. As Ji Seong-hyeon shares in Episode 7 of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, “I enjoy hanging out with people more than anything else. Eating, laughing, and talking together. That’s all there’s to life, isn’t it?”Practice Gratitude
Learning to appreciate the present moment and acknowledging the positives in your life can genuinely boost your happiness. In The Good Bad Mother, Episode 14, Jin Young-soon says, “Life is so fascinating and makes you grateful. When it takes one thing from you, it always replaces it with something else.”Keep it Simple
It really is about the little things. In Navillera, Episode 6, Sim Eun-ho says, “On my way home today, I just happened to look up. The sky was bright and blue. Just looking at it made me happy…It just felt like time was floating across the sky. It felt really nice. That’s when I thought that happiness could be felt in the little details. You don’t always have to achieve something grand.”Develop Resilience
Acknowledge that life has its challenges and learn to navigate stress, failure, and uncertainty. As Oh Deok-rye states in Episode 14 of Doctor Cha, “Life can’t only be filled with good things.”
Prioritize Your Mental Health
Taking time for yourself can greatly improve your well-being and overall outlook, ultimately benefiting your relationships with others. In Episode 1 of Thirty-nine, Cha Mi-jo declares, “I’m going to take a one year sabbatical. I worked like a dog for the past five years. I’m going to take a break, get refreshed, and come back to work.”What Happiness Isn’t
Seeking validation from others or comparing ourselves to their perceived happiness often leads to feelings of envy and inadequacy rather than genuine fulfillment.This notion of ‘faux happiness’ is illustrated in Episode 4 of Love to Hate You, where Nam Kang-ho remarks, “What are birthdays to women? It’s an opportunity to show off gifts, events, the boyfriend who organizes those gifts and events and friends. It’s the day to show off how happy you are.” Instead of fixating on others’ perceptions, true happiness may be found by embracing authenticity and living life on our own terms.
I think Lee Ye-jin, one of the precocious seven-year old twins, said it best in Episode 11 of The Good Bad Mother, “If there’s one thing I learned in all my years, it’s that there isn’t much to life. You just have to live happily with the people you love, right?”
Maybe it’s as simple as that.
Darrin M. McMahon, “The History of Happiness, 400 B.C. - A.D. 1780,” Dædalus, American Academy of Arts & Sciences, Spring 2004, Retrieved from www.amacad.org/publication/history-happiness-400-bc-ad-1780