It is said that the quest for happiness is elusive. The more we search for happiness, the more difficult it is to find.

But what if we could find happiness everyday in small ways? It could be found in the magnificence of the sun shining bright, in the fragrance of a rose, in the bright blue sky or in the song of the birds. It could be found in taking a leisurely stroll or helping a needy soul. All of these joyful moments made us happy when we were children. As adults, we seem to have lost ourselves in the rush of things happening around us. We no longer have time to enjoy the beauty around us.

To be happy, we need to find a few moments each day to do that which we love, however preoccupied we may be. These mindful moments will truly make a difference to how we spend our day and lead to greater happiness in the long run.

As I revive this blog, I want to share an earlier post in which I had shared a poem I once wrote on living in the now. It is an appeal to all of us to slow down and find time for the smaller things in life which can give us great joy. Hope you enjoy reading it!

Life is lived in the now

Just look around you,
You’ll find that everyone is in such a hurry.

The infant to walk
And the toddler to talk.
The little boy to go out and play
And the young man to have his say.
The school girl to finish her meal
And the businessman to sign his next deal.
The teenager to grow up
and the lady for her man to show up.
Everyone is in such a hurry.

Isn’t there anyone who has the time to hear the bells chime
or pen a rhyme?
Isn’t there anyone who has the time to plant a tree 
or set a bird free?
Isn’t there anyone who has the time to walk in the park 
or listen to the melody of the lark?
Isn’t there anyone who has the time to share a moment with someone dear 
or spread some laughter and good cheer?

Dear friend, 
Find time each day to help a needy soul
or take a leisurely stroll.
Find time each day to give a stranger a smile
or admire nature for a while.

Find time each day to listen to the gurgling brook
or watch birds build their nests in some nook.
Find time each day to watch the green pastures on which cows graze
As you make your way through life’s maze.

 Because, life is lived in these moments, my friend!
-Neetu Ganapathy