Finding Happiness: JB's Monday Momentum Week #7
Exploring the Path to Happiness
Estimated reading time: three minutes
Hello friends,
Last week, I was on a service trip in Nepal. After returning to Holland on Saturday, I've had time to reflect on the incredible experience. The primary goal of the trip was to emphasize the importance of education and support the students in receiving a quality education. My school partners with the Sanjiveeni Primary School in Nagarkot, Nepal, where we teach the students for a week. I taught fourth-grade students, focusing on topics such as order of operations and English conversations. While a week is not enough time to revolutionize the Nepali school system, the experience did have a significant impact on my life; I honestly believe I learned more from the students than they learned from me. The insights gained and lessons learned from the students were eye-opening. Today, I will share my reflections based on my experiences from the past week.
If you missed last week’s edition, you can click here to check it out. My friend Chase wrote it for me while I was busy in Nepal, and I highly recommend you read it.
A Question I am Contemplating:
How can we create happiness?
It is widely accepted that happiness is a vital part of our lives, and we often find ourselves chasing it. However, it is not always clear what exactly happiness is. In light of my recent trip, I believe it is necessary to discuss.
For some time now, I have believed that happiness is a choice and that we can cultivate it through effort. I am doubling down on this take after my recent trip. While working with students who have extremely little, I was struck by their contentment and joy. It is hard to explain the extent of what “extremely little” means, but for example, we visited a family of four living in what was essentially a small shipping container with all of their belongings and two makeshift beds. Despite their living conditions, the family seemed genuinely happy, welcoming us in with overwhelming hospitality and smiles across their faces. This experience has made me wonder how they can find such happiness in their circumstances.
After returning to the hotel, I had a conversation with one of the translators, Nawang, about the students' lives and their positive outlook. Nawang pointed out that their happiness stems from within. The students find contentment in what they have and don't have excessive desires. While it's okay to have a few key desires, chasing too many can lead to a chaotic life empty of happiness. He emphasized the idea that true happiness can be found by appreciating what is already in one's life. Continually telling yourself that you'll only be happy once you attain a specific goal can be harmful. This mindset can lead to a constant pursuit of happiness when it is already within your grasp. This idea goes back to living in the present moment. True happiness comes from being present and embracing the current moment without feeling a sense of lack or insufficiency. Essentially, happiness isn't dependent on external circumstances or future events but on finding fulfillment and joy in the present.
Acknowledge that happiness is rooted within yourself—not dependent on external factors—and you will notice a positive shift in your life. Embracing this perspective will allow you to find peace in moments of stillness and experience happiness in your actions.
Quote on Happiness:
“Happiness is what’s there when you remove the sense that something is missing in your life.” — Naval Ravikant
Goal for the Week:
Give compliments widely and freely
A small gesture like giving a compliment can brighten someone's day. Why not make it a habit to compliment others more? This is an area where I can improve, and this week, I will prioritize it. I will make sure the compliments are sincere and not just given for the sake of it.
What I’m Reading:
The Road - Cormac McCarthy (90% done)
When Breath Becomes Air — Paul Kalanithi (51% done)
What I’m listening to (one podcast, one artist, one song):
Ian Charles & Doc O’Connor – Investing in Sports Teams at Arctos Sports Partners
Noah Kahan
Oh! Tengo Suerte — Masayoshi Takanaka
Thanks for reading! Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated for next week and feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Take care,
James