The Happiness Manual: 6 Ways to Build Your Bliss

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For the past couple of days, I’ve been reading about the development of psychological thought. Today, I woke up with a question about happiness—a question that both you and I know is necessary to find the deeper meaning of life. 

The question is this: on one hand, Buddhism and many philosophers say you can be happy with what you have. Happiness isn’t something you chase after; it comes to you when you realise it. However, psychologists like Daniel Gilbert suggest that to escape reality, we “create” synthetic happiness. It’s easy at first, but over time, it can lead to emotional and mental burnout.  

And now I’m stuck.  

I truly believe I’m a happy person. But what if I’m not inherently happy? What if, somewhere deep down, all my happiness is just a synthetic construct to help me escape the reality of my life?  

Honestly, I couldn’t get this thought out of my head. Slowly, other doubts started creeping in too.  

 

What if all I do is a lie? What if my efforts don’t matter? What if I’m waiting for a miracle that will never happen? What if I’m not good enough?  

 

I just couldn’t help but think… am I living my life, or am I just dreaming of one? 

It reminds me of that Taoism story where a man dreams he’s a butterfly. When he wakes up, he wonders: was I a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or am I a butterfly dreaming I’m a man? Life is like that sometimes—blurry and confusing. 

 

The Power to Choose

But here’s the thing: life doesn’t have to stay confusing forever. Sure, doubts creep in. Questions linger. But at the end of the day, as the Bhagavad Geeta says, we have the ability to choose.  

We can choose to build our lives in a way that brings us happiness—not the fleeting, synthetic kind, but the kind that feels deep and real.  

For me, this comes down to six areas of life:  

 

Health (Mental and Physical)  

This is the foundation of everything. When I neglect my body, whether by skipping meals, eating junk food, or not exercising, it shows. My energy dips, my mood sours, and suddenly, even small tasks feel like climbing Everest. 

The same goes for mental health. I’ve learned that acknowledging my feelings—whether they’re good, bad, or downright confusing—is crucial. Taking breaks, meditating, or even just journaling my thoughts helps me create clarity. Physical and mental health aren’t just about survival; they’re about thriving. 

 

Knowledge 

We often underestimate how fulfilling it is to learn something new. I don’t mean memorising facts for an exam or cramming data into your head. I’m talking about learning that excites you. It could be understanding a historical event, figuring out how to bake the perfect brownie, or exploring a new skill. 

Knowledge doesn’t just make you smarter—it broadens your perspective. It gives you tools to understand the world and your place in it. For me, it’s a reminder that no matter what happens, I can always grow.  

 

Relationships (Interpersonal and Intrapersonal)

Relationships are tricky. We often focus on how we connect with others—family, friends, colleagues—but forget the most important relationship: the one we have with ourselves.  

Being kind to myself hasn’t always come naturally. It’s easier to criticise than to encourage. But when I started treating myself the way I’d treat a friend, something shifted. Self-compassion isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline.  

And when it comes to others, I’ve realised that investing time and energy into people who uplift and inspire me is worth every second. Relationships are where we find belonging and purpose.  

 

Passions

Life gets busy. There’s work, school, responsibilities, and a never-ending to-do list. But carving out time for the things you love—those activities that make you forget the clock—is vital.  

It’s not always about being perfect at it; it’s about how it makes me feel. Passion adds colour to life. It’s the difference between existing and living.  

 

Success 

Let’s talk about success. It’s one of those words that means different things to different people. For me, success isn’t just about ticking boxes or collecting accolades. It’s about growth.  

Am I moving forward? Am I learning from my mistakes? Am I becoming a better version of myself? Success isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. And on that journey, every small win matters—because they all add up.  

 

Satisfaction

Have you ever done something small for someone else—a kind word, a helping hand—and felt unexpectedly happy afterward? That’s the power of social outreach. 

Whether it’s volunteering, helping a friend, or simply smiling at a stranger, these acts of selflessness remind me that happiness isn’t just about what I get; it’s about what I give.  

Satisfaction comes from knowing that, in some way, big or small, I’ve made a difference.  

 

Creating Your Happiness  

Here’s the truth: waiting for happiness is like waiting for a train that’s never going to arrive. You have to build the tracks yourself.  

Start with one small thing in one area of your life. Maybe it’s calling a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with (relationships). Or going for a walk to clear your mind (health). Or spending 10 minutes sketching, singing, or doing something you love (passions).  

Happiness isn’t something we find; it’s something we create. And the best part? It’s entirely up to us.  

 

So, what’s one small step you can take today to create your happiness? Because trust me, you don’t need to wait for someone to hand it to you—you’ve got everything you need to build it yourself. 

 



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