There are no public bars and night clubs in Riyadh but there is traquility; and a lifestyle that enables one to save and build his/her finances. Katsina lacks a cinema, shopping mall and a beach but it is devoid of the heartbreaking traffic congestion of Lagos.
It is pretty cold in winter but the snow gives us one of the most beautiful sights of the year. The air is dry and dusty in harmattan but our untarred roads are dry and free from mud, water pools and debris deposited by flood.
You are in a new place and you miss your friends badly. It is an opportunity to look inward. Moments that we find ourselves alone could be channelled to moments of self discovery.
"A message by one of the speakers in a conference I attended several years ago opened my eyes on happiness. We were told that happiness comes from within. When we make up our minds to be happy, we would find out that we still smile in the face of dissappointments and losses. Becuase, we look at the funny side of life." Fanny,29 and single said.
Whenever she finds herself drifting towards anger or despair; she cautions herself, "I choose to be happy. This too shall pass. There are other reasons to smile." And she occupies her time either singing, listening to music or just thinking 'feel good'thoughts.
She remembers her moments of accomplishments, the periods she was of great value to others and those who have shown her love. Other times she just looks out of the window- to the skies, admiring its beauty; the busy street, admiring how every passerby is unique. She seeks out for things that would make her feel good instead of worrying. Today, Fanny is in better control of what she allows to get into her mind.
It is common to hear people express how they like someone becuase of their cheerful demeanour. "Obeidullah is jolly-good fellow. I love him. He is always happy." A janitor said while refering to his colleague. People like Obeidullah easily get other people's attention and assistance.
Happiness enables us love our jobs and be productive. It is good for our health. It draws people to us. It enables us see opportunities in the midst of dissapointments. An angry man's heart is dark and focused on his woe and it blinds him from seeing a flicker of light which could give him hope.
Walter S. Landor, said,"We are no longer happy as soon as we wish to be happier."
While worry adds nothing good to us, happiness would enable us to focus better on our game and get on top of it.
Make a decision to be happy today!
Picture, courtesy: Obiora Sylva-Ezemoka
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