While the pandemic created havoc, tears, and heartaches around the world, we now realise that our lives have changed. Perseverance, vigilance, and being cautious about our lives are the new normal. Indeed, we appreciate the importance of health, families, and friends more.
The pandemic has made me realize how much I took for granted. Thanks to this experience, I was able to reassess my priorities in life. I now dislike the excess of material things that I once desired before the pandemic. I have learned to live a simpler life and enjoy the simple things more. As a result, I am happier now than ever.
I gave away my material possessions, including expensive jewellery, bags, shoes, and clothing. Some items went to my family, while others were donated to charity. Before the pandemic, I visited Crown Casino once a week and spent money. Back then, I believed that I was happy and enjoying life. However, it has been almost three years since I last played at Crown Casino, and I am surprised to find that I don’t really miss it.
Defining Happiness
Happiness, for me, is doing what I love:
I feel happy every time I cook delicious dishes for my grandchildren and watch them eat with gusto, the food I prepare with love.
I found happiness in nurturing and caring for my plants, doing gardening with my husband, and looking after our vegetable patch, fruit trees, and many flowering species in the backyard.
Happiness for me is tickling the ivory keys, playing classical pieces, and triggering a powerful emotional sense that enables me to express what the composer wants to convey in his piece.
Reading a novel or an inspirational book will always make me happy.
Happiness is just sitting beside my hubby at night, sipping coffee or tea while watching a movie or listening to beautiful oldies songs from the 60s or 70s. Simple as it is, for me, it is contentment and sheer pleasure sharing special moments with the love of my life.
Happiness is visiting loved ones, taking long drives with my husband, and seeing beautiful places.
I found solace, comfort, and happiness by praying and connecting with Him.
Happiness is giving and supporting worthy charitable organisations in Australia as well as some of our Filipino organisations.
The year 2022 was a dreadful and positive year for me. I lost some of my investments, but on the positive side, my brain aneurysm had stabilised, and the blood vessel in my brain had shrunk, according to the latest MRI test. I am so happy with the result. In 2022, my gastroenterologist specialist discovered that the aspirin I had taken for years was causing my bleeding and assured me that I wouldn’t be having any more bleeding episodes. Though I lost a substantial amount of money in 2022, I am still grateful that all my health issues were resolved. As I always say, health is more important than money and power!
Lastly, I want to share a beautiful quote from one of my favourite authors, Bishop Fulton Sheen: “Joy is the happiness of love. Love is aware of its own inner happiness. Pleasure comes from without, and joy comes from within, and it is therefore within reach.”
An excerpt from my book, Reflective Contemplation
HAPPINESS
Happy are those who can forgive because they will find peace within and with others.
Happy are those who stay connected with Him. It’s the only way to eternal salvation.
Happy are those who are willing to share and help others because they make a difference in this troubled world we live in.
Happy are those who can love and accept people because they will be able to love and be loved.
– Lorna Ramirez…… www.lornasbook.com
