What makes humans different from other animals? The usual answer is: “We can think and make tools.” Let’s add one more item: “We can spend most of our lives unhappy and miserable.” I’ve seen plenty of animals, but never one as depressed, sad, jaded and numb as a human being.
You don’t need to be a genius to see this. It’s very simple. First, look at the animals around you. Birds, for example.
They seem to be in a constant state of celebration. They fly from here to there for no particular reason, singing and having fun. Because they don’t make life as complicated as we do; they live it simply and happily. They’re not thinking about the partner who left them, the boss who told them off or the spouse who ignores them. And boredom? Not a trace. They’re in a constant whirl of activity and celebration.
You can see the same deep peace in cats and dogs. All animals have their sad moments, but on the whole — especially compared with humans — they’re incredibly happy. Now look at babies and children.
Yes, they get upset, and they cry and wail plenty. But they’re far, far happier than adults; they have fun and turn life into a festival. I’m sure most people haven’t had as much fun in the last ten years as a baby or a child has on an ordinary day. When did you last lose the innocent child inside you? While birds, babies and children celebrate life, take a look at the people you see on your way to work — in the street, on the bus, on the train. They all look half dead. In fact, they look as if, should someone come along to hold their funeral, they’d say, “Fine, fine — a coffin’s a better idea anyway.” Yes, we’re all going to die one day — but why rush to rehearse it? So no dying before you reach the grave. I want your promise on that.
We’re Built to Be Happy
Human nature is built for happiness — and yet we’re the ones who build dams in the way of it. What’s more, we have an advantage over every other animal. Have you ever seen a bird, a dog or a cat burst out laughing? I haven’t — and if one exists, get it on TV straight away, you’ll make a fortune. Animals aren’t as lucky as we are; they can’t laugh. So whenever you get the chance, let out a big laugh. Few things in this world are as lovely and enjoyable as laughing.
You may say, “But how can I laugh with all these troubles, problems and unhappiness?” You’re right — it’s hard to laugh when you have problems. But anyone can be happy in their happy moments. Nobody spends a wonderful summer holiday sulking, and everyone laughs at something funny when they’re in a good mood. What matters is being able to laugh despite all the troubles, problems and unhappiness. The moment you manage that, you’ll see many things in your life change as if by magic. Sulking and being unhappy won’t help you solve your problems. But tackling them with high energy and good spirits can help you find faster and better solutions.
That doesn’t mean we’ll never be sad or cry. Be sad, cry, be angry. Live all your emotions fully. In fact, the numbness and “playing dead” we see in people comes from not living their emotions. Remember babies and children again. They cry and wail all the time, yet at the end of the day they’re the happiest of all. Live all your emotions, let them out — but at the end of the day, be the one who laughs last.
Look for What’s Going Well
Don’t ignore your troubles and problems. Don’t pretend they don’t exist. Accept them and think about them. But let your aim be to find solutions, not to wallow in them. Stop boasting about your troubles and sorrows. Having lots of problems and being pitied may feed your ego, but at the end of the day your unhappiness remains. No excuse can take the place of success and happiness. So turn your focus away from problems and towards the good and the beautiful. Remember: if you look for something that isn’t going well in your life, you’ll certainly find it. But if you look for something that is going well, you’ll certainly find that too. Everyone’s life has negatives. You can choose to be sad about them, or you can raise your energy and try to overcome them. But you can’t do both at once. Let your happiness level be the thing you care about most in life. If you spent the day happily, you can count it as a success. You can only give as much happiness to those around you as you have yourself. You can’t cheer anyone up while you’re sad.
When you feel sad, think of animals, children and babies. Their only concern is to enjoy this world more. If they can do it, so can you. Start the day well, be more grateful, dance more, laugh more — and be the most magnificent person you see around you. Wouldn’t you like to inspire others with your light and energy?
Then what are you waiting for? In defiance of all of life’s problems, put on your most magnificent smile and let out your heartiest laugh! The world badly needs your beautiful laughter. Don’t you dare deprive us of it!