To those of you reading this essay, let me ask you a question. Are you happy right now? This question, which might sound a bit mundane, is something that has been thrown at many people. Hence, people who answered 'yes' seemed perfectly fine until when asked another question, "then what makes you happy?" So, I believe people should not just worry about whether they are happy or not, but what actually makes them happy.
Doing what you love is a great way to attain happiness. Just imagine how one might feel in terms of their happiness if they are stuck in an office processing documents all day. Now, that definitely is not something to be happy about. However, if someone who loves being active goes and plays sports, then they would definitely feel happy. Taking from this example, a person would feel no stress or would even be letting out stress when they are engaged in something that they love rather than something that they hate doing. Moreover, there is motivation in doing what one loves because if they love something, then would also have the energy and willingness to do that particular thing. Thus, doing all this will bring a sense of achievement for reaching a set goal, which in fact, is something that changes into happiness.
Staying healthy also makes people happy. Someone could ask what does staying healthy have to do with staying happy, but I would say that's the wrong question to ask. In today's society there are people who are fortunate to be healthy and in good shape, and there are those who are less healthy or less-able than others. My reason for bringing this up is because many people take many things for granted, hence, do not realize the blessing of being healthy and fit. I think the fact that healthy people are able to do things without any inconveniences, and this fact alone, should encourage them to feel happy about themselves and maybe go a little further in helping the less-able. The aspect of giving back with what one already has and making a contribution would definitely bring out a sense of achievement, and make everyone's lives happier.
Another key to happiness is positive thinking. This might sound cliché, but people have to realize it is something that should not be considered lightly. When facing stressful situations, positive thinkers, compared to pessimists, cope more effectively. Coping effectively with stress alone would eventually mean less frustration and more ability to focus on other things. Positive thinking also has a connection to people's health because it has been medically proven that optimism, in other words positive thinking reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, lowers depression and helps increase people's lifespan. This has an interrelation with what was mentioned in the previous paragraph about staying healthy, hence, it is evident that the mind and body are not two separate entities, but work as a whole.
From Yujin Song
ReplyDelete1. What I like about this piece of writing is supportive details/explanations of three causes of happiness.
2. Your main point seems to be "what makes people happy is themselves."
3. I like the way of storytelling. The each body paragraph contrasts the opposite occasion. Also, the topic sentences are clear so it helps readers understand more easily.
I like the part of your writing, "keeping healthy of both mind and body."
ReplyDeleteand your main point seems to insist that we should be satisfied with what we are.
The sentence "So, I believe people should not just worry about whether they are happy or not, but what actually makes them happy." was powerful to express your main point well.
and I thought some sentences are too long and there were some too-much parentheses to look at.
Anyway I enjoyed your writing!
"How to be happy" (2nd draft)
ReplyDeleteTo those of you reading this essay, let me ask you a question. Are you happy right now? This question, which might sound a bit mundane, is something that has been thrown at many people many times. Hence, people who answered ‘yes’ seemed perfectly fine until when asked another question, “then what makes you happy?” So, I believe people should not just worry about whether they are happy or not, but what actually makes them happy.
Doing what you love is a great way to attain happiness. Just imagine how one might feel if they are stuck in an office processing documents all day. Now, that definitely is not something to be happy about. However, if someone who loves being active goes and plays sports, then they would definitely feel happy. Taking from this example, a person would feel no stress or would even be letting out stress when they are engaged in something that they love rather than something that they hate doing. Moreover, there is motivation in doing what one loves because if they love something, then would also have the energy and willingness to do that particular thing. Thus, doing all this will bring a sense of achievement for reaching a set goal, which in fact, is something that eventually changes into happiness.
Staying healthy also makes people happy. Someone could ask what does staying healthy have to do with staying happy, but I would say that’s the wrong question to ask. In today’s society there are people who are fortunate to be healthy and in good shape, and there are those who are less healthy or less able than others. My reason for bringing this up is because many people take many things for granted, hence, do not realize the blessing of being healthy and fit. I think the fact that healthy people are able to do things without any inconveniences, and this fact alone, should encourage them to feel happy about themselves and maybe go a little further in helping the less able. The aspect of giving back with what one already has and making a contribution would definitely bring out a sense of achievement, and make everyone’s lives happier.
Another key to happiness is positive thinking. This might sound cliché, but people have to realize it is something that should not be considered lightly. When facing stressful situations, positive thinkers, compared to pessimists, cope more effectively. Coping effectively with stress alone would eventually mean less frustration and more ability to focus on other things. Positive thinking also has a connection to people’s health because it has been medically proven that optimism, in other words positive thinking reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, lowers depression and helps increase people’s lifespan. This has an interrelation with what was mentioned in the previous paragraph about staying healthy, hence, it is evident that the mind and body are not two separate entities, but work as a whole.
Now let me ask the question, “are you happy right now?” or should it be “now, do you know what makes you happy?” What people should remember is that it is not money or any other things that make them happy, but it is themselves who find the right pieces to fill their jigsaw of happiness. So, don’t worry and be happy.