I honestly believe God places certain people on earth to remind us how to live. I was a cocktail of emotions as I watched Sam Berns TedX talk. All my worries, insecurities and physical imperfections combined do not parallel his. Yet, there he was bravely telling the world ‘ I have a very happy life’.
A while ago, I realized that happiness has very little to do with possessions or accomplishments. Infact real happiness is quite intangible. It is one thing that no one can give or take away from you and Sam Bern’s talk proves that.
Sam, was diagnosed with Progeria at the age of 2. Progeria is an extremely rare genetic disorder which results in rapid premature aging. It affects one in four million to one in eight million births and only a few hundred people have the disease, whose hallmarks include hair loss, stunted growth, joint deterioration and cardiac problems. Sam died last year from complications from the disease, yet his message lives on.
- Be okay with what you can’t do because there is so much you can do: as humans we are bent on fixating on what we don’t have, what we can’t do or what we need but can’t get. Each phase of life is spent chasing the next so much so that we forget to live and enjoy the moment and what we have. Life passes by so quickly, you’d think we’d have learnt by now to savour it even if its just a little.
- Surround yourself with people you want to be around: In today’s busy word we truly underestimate the value of family and genuine friendships. Age has taught me the importance of relationships. Good relationships are like sugar, they make everything sweeter. I remember praying for more friends at a point in my life, and then one day i decided to be a better friend to the ones I already have, I can’ t tell you how much that enriched my life.
- Keep moving forward: No matter how bad today is, tomorrow will always be better. I have to remind myself time and time again. The only way to smell the roses is to open the door and take a step outside. Look forward to life, small and big things. And i am not talking about the next promotion or the next ‘breakthrough’. I mean the next hang out with friends or the next Idris Alba movie.
- Never miss a party if you can help it: I love this one. I am officially a bore these days and in bed before any party starts. So this will require some practice. But even if you don’t have a party to go to, throw one, just because, with your friends.
Happiness is all about focus. Focus on what you have today not what’s missing. Enjoy the life you have now, enjoy your family and friends, dance like no one is watching, let the future excite you and take pleasure in what you can do today.
Leave a Reply