What do we talk about when we talk about happiness?

You may feel sorry about a beggar sitting in the corner, but you will be surprised to be told that he has earned 20 odd yuan this day. And you may feel terrible about a white-collar who has been robbed of his little spare time, but you may not imagine he’s going to tell you that his dear wife has already cooked the chicken soup waiting for him at home. Moreover, a divorced housewife told you proudly that her son had won the first prize of his grade again. It seems that they are talking about the totally different things, but in fact, they are all sharing their happiness.

People from all classes talk about happiness, though their happiness are seemingly different. Is it really so? Then what is the real happiness?

I phoned my mom yesterday, and I asked her whether she’s living in happiness? She replied quickly, “of course I am”, so I went on to ask what the real happiness is. She scrupled a little, and said, “I don’t know, but I always felt happy maybe because of a sweet dream, nice weather, yummy food, or even just a phone call from you.” That’s a pretty typical expression made by an ordinary woman who is always grateful and satisfied with her life. At that moment, I thought I suddenly understood that real happiness is in our simplest satisfaction with life, and it probably is something ordinary existing in our life such as the beggar's contentment, the husband's reliance, and the son's achievement.

In this hustle and bustle of the world, some may believe that gaining happiness must require preconditions such as money, fame or even beautiful appearance. But they all ignore, the small but heartwarming details all around us already include the real happiness, like 20 yuan from contented people, chicken soup thickly boiled with a wife's love, or transcript handed by a brilliant kid.

So, happiness is just like the air, which is everywhere, though sometimes it is too common to be noticed. Now, at the end of my speech, shall we "take a deep breath" and feel what kind of happiness we are living in?

封慧

定稿 What do we talk about when we talk about happiness