Flickers of happiness.

I was just wondering one morning about what makes us happy.

For some people, happiness comes from bouncing a dark orange ball, laced with black stripes, with people who are similarly like-minded. Scoring that don't-know-how-many-points goal or doing that slam dunk brings not just exhilaration or fellowship, but the simple notion of happiness - however ephemeral. Basketball's a great sport; it brings friends through fellowship, fun through (maybe) competition or simply throwing balls into the hoop, and sometimes times of reflection once a game's over.

For others, it's drinking a cup of perfectly milked and sweetened English Breakfast Tea, or a tisane of Peppermint - even eating alone maybe, though all amidst serene surroundings. Silence. Quiet. A gentle breeze that provides the last icing for a cool afternoon. I like moments like these myself - they provide much opportunity for random thought, reflection, pondering and thinking about life. If not, my inspiration would draw itself from watching people pass me by as I attempt to read their minds, figuring out from their actions and movements what lives and emotions lie behind that often ornate facade, as I try to psychologically peel the layers. (At this point, I just wanted to say don't get me wrong - there are people who indeed exercise truthful fronts, just that they're oh-so rare.)

Anyway, I'm not going to digress any further because typing on my laptop just can't match the speed of my full thoughts at all.

My point is, happiness, however short-lived or temporary, is precious. To the majority of people, they are often to caught up in running the rat race of life as they struggle to aspire, achieve and amplify all the physical things that they have. Moments of happiness are hard to come by for them, as their schedules are packed stiff with many other things that seem to matter so absolutely much. Their handphones consistently beep and buzz, and their inbox-es seem always to be full.

Try to make the best out of the happy moments that you have, be it in your childhood, adolescence or adulthood. Make a hobby out of card tricks however simple or difficult, go out with friends just for a walk and talk (You have no idea how much more powerful it means when two people are together than just one alone) or have fun thinking and talking about random things - and a bit of advice: Smile, try to free yourself, and think simple and child-like; don't let complex and difficult issues like competition cloud the very essence of happiness that is meant to be innocent, simple and memorable.