Blog - November 4, 2019

Day 4 : The November Happiness Challenge 2019

Yay!. It’s another season of The November Happiness Challenge by Omotolani of The Omotolaniee brand. I hope this brings you as much excitement as it brought me. Having followed this series for a few years now and benefiting tremendously from what it is about, I was beyond elated when the Convener reached out to me asking me to be an active part of this year’s challenge. The idea of happiness seems abstract to a lot of people. Seeking happiness in the midst of all the daunting jabs life throws at us can truly be herculean, don’t you think? But have you noticed that against all odds, there are people who exude happiness as much as we give off carbon-dioxide during respiration? I certainly have, and Omotolani is one of them. Is it possible that these people don’t have challenges? Could it be true that their lives are a jolly ride; a smooth road devoid of potholes and bumps, like we commonly see on our Nigerian roads? Perhaps they have their every need met and their wishes granted at the wave of a magic wand like in the fairytales, such that they have zero worries? Aren’t those part of the things that cause us to lose sleep and miss out on the blessedness of being happy? Unmet needs, unfulfilled desires, shattered hopes, missed deadlines, failed expectations, etc. I make bold to say, believing there are people who do not have problems is as far from the truth as anyone can get. Happy people aren’t necessarily problem-less people (excuse my french), but people  who place premium value on happiness and the overall effect it has on their lives, such that they make deliberate efforts to seek it. Seeking happiness does not guarantee that it would be found. As a matter of fact, in our pursuit of happiness, we sometimes suffer disappointments and this counters the whole essence of the pursuit, but when it is persistently sought, the universe is always kind to bring us huge doses of experiences that gladden our spirits and warm our hearts. Personally, I pay attention to the things that make me happy and I make conscious efforts to do them, to ensure that I stay happy. From person to person, our motivation and reason for happiness may vary, but I hope sharing mine helps you in your own pursuit. Naturally, we are elated and relieved when we receive help from people. This cuts across help received from family members, spouse, friends, colleagues at work or even strangers. It’s not a sin to need, demand or receive help; by all means, I encourage you to seek help when in need. However, helping people gives me much joy and satisfaction than being on the receiving end. Many a time, we place emphasis and focus on our own needs, and this blinds us from seeing what ways we can be of help to others. No matter how needy or poor you think you are, I promise you there’s always a person who would benefit greatly from something you possess but consider insignificant. Being of service to family and friends is a great thing; I partly feel we’re obliged to do this. You see, offering assistance to a random person you may never see a second time is a habit we all must cultivate. Simi, the artiste, said in one of her songs (‘Remind me’): … My baby say she hungry, I give am food; I tell am I will do anything for her; But a stranger say “Please Sir, I no get shoe”, I look am one kain, say “who are you?” These lyrics buttress how we can conveniently be nice to familiar people but remain mean or indifferent to (the needs of) the unfamiliar people around us. I have found that happiness comes from giving, giving, giving and expecting nothing in return. If I continue to give to people in my space, I am bound to expect them to reciprocate; this doesn’t make me evil or bad, it only proves I am human. In a bid to give without having expectations, I include strangers in the mix.   Today, I challenge you to deliberately look out for a stranger who is in need (whatever kind is within your capacity to meet) and help them. Do not make this a one-off thing. Do it as often as you can, and be intentional about it. Watch things happen for you and how your happiness grows in leaps and bounds. I must thank Omotolani for charting this great course and for the honor of inviting me. May your happiness be boundless and lasting, my Darling. Love and light, Olajumoke.   Connect with me on Instagram