The True Nature of Happiness

Earlier today, I found myself strolling along Terrigal Beach, soaking up the tranquil sounds of the waves and the scent of salt in the air. Suddenly, an enthusiastic voice rang out behind me, “Stephanie … Stephanie Roberts, is that you?!”

Turning around, I was greeted by a young woman beaming with happiness. She was accompanied by a gorgeous black Labrador, my absolute favourite breed, especially since I’d recently trained Patrick, a black Lab to be a Guide Dog for the blind. Instinctively, I knelt down to give the dog a good pat, feeling a rush of affection for the gentle creature.

For a moment, I searched my memory, trying hard to recall who this cheery young lady was. I suppose it’s understandable, given the hundreds of students who’ve passed through my college doors over the years before my retirement.

My uncertainty didn’t last long, though; she broke into laughter and said, “It’s Michelle, your favourite student!”

Suddenly, everything clicked. Michelle hadn’t been one of my full-time beauty school graduates, but a Reiki student who took part in several of my holistic night classes. Our paths had crossed during those evening courses at the college, where she’d shown a keen interest in alternative therapies and healing.

We exchanged warm hugs, and I made a proper fuss over her lovely Lab while my mind filled with fond memories. Michelle invited me to join her for a cuppa at the local café, and together we settled in to reminisce about days gone by.

“Stephanie, do you still teach holistic studies?” Michelle asked, her curiosity as bright as ever.

“These days, I write on Medium,” I replied. “I share articles about my life stories and the lessons I’ve learnt, and I’m working on a book about holistic studies.”

Michelle’s eyes sparkled. “But you should write about what you taught us, Stephanie. Your lessons changed my life, and so many of my classmates, too.”

It felt as if the Universe itself was gently nudging me.

Meeting Michelle after all these years was more than a pleasant surprise, it was a reminder of the impact a teacher can have.

She shared with me the successes she’d enjoyed over the past two decades: a thriving business, financial stability, a loving husband and two beautiful children. And then, she introduced me to Winston, the black Labrador at her side, who I discovered was a guide dog for her blind young son. What an incredible coincidence, and a testament to the enduring ripples of kindness and learning.

Inspired by this encounter, I’ve decided to share a brief insight from one of my most popular lessons. I hope it serves as a guide and source of encouragement, just as Michelle reminded me it did for her and so many others.

With gratitude for moments of serendipity, I look forward to sharing more insights and teachings that may help others find success and fulfilment in life, just as Michelle has, and of course that have helped me find success and happiness in my own life.

Introduction:

Throughout history, diverse traditions have explored how to live with clarity and steadiness in an unpredictable world.

From the Stoics’ focus on inner resilience, to Buddhist, Taoist, Sufi, Hindu, and Greek philosophies that emphasise compassion, self-knowledge, and virtue, each path offers ways to meet life’s challenges with openness and understanding.

Though these teachings come from different cultures and eras, they all speak to our enduring search for meaning and peace.

May these insights offer guidance and remind you that wisdom is always within reach, ready to support you whenever you need it.

There’s nothing novel here, just my own perspective, shaped by what has helped me and my students along the way.

Consider this a gentle reminder of truths you already carry within your heart.

The True Nature of Happiness:

A Grounded Perspective on Finding Fulfilment

We often hold an image of happiness as some far-off destination, a place we’ll reach only when life ticks all the right boxes, be it the perfect moment, the ideal relationship, or a flawless version of ourselves. This mindset turns happiness into something conditional, forever just out of reach, determined by circumstances that may never fully align.

But what if happiness isn’t a prize handed down by fate or luck, but a quality we cultivate through the way we choose to live? From this vantage point, happiness is woven into the fabric of our everyday choices, rooted in the values we uphold, the purpose we pursue, and the way we take responsibility for our own inner experiences.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that happiness will finally arrive when we achieve a particular goal or resolve every problem. Yet, this way of thinking can leave us feeling perpetually unsatisfied, chasing after an elusive ideal while missing the richness of our current experience.

True fulfilment begins when we let go of these rigid expectations and recognise that happiness is not a distant reward, but a quality we can nurture in the midst of ordinary moments.

This view doesn’t gloss over life’s difficulties or pretend that hardship doesn’t exist. Instead, it recognises that our sense of well-being is shaped less by what happens to us, and more by how we respond to each moment as it unfolds.

I find it challenging to stay in the state of “joie de vivre”, with the unexpected that life throws at me. But I’ve learnt that acknowledging these challenges, rather than resisting them, has a way of softening their impact. Sometimes, it’s about gently bringing myself back to the present moment, taking a breath, and reminding myself that even amongst uncertainty, small joys can still be found in the everyday.

By remaining in this state of mindful appreciation, I continue to experience abundance, both in terms of financial stability and in my capacity to navigate life’s challenges with resilience. Gratitude for what I have allows abundance to flow naturally into my life.

Life may throw curveballs, and not every outcome is within our control, but we can always choose to show up with honesty, courage, and compassion.

Happiness, then, is not built on a steady diet of pleasure or ease. It emerges from living with integrity, making choices that reflect what matters most to us, even when it’s tough. It grows stronger when we act in ways that are true to the person we aspire to be.

In this sense, happiness is neither fleeting nor dependent on external validation. It is quiet, resilient, and ever-present, waiting to be discovered not in the world around us, but in the way we walk through it each day. By embracing this grounded perspective, we find that the possibility for genuine happiness is always within reach, no matter what life brings.

Thought:

Instead of endlessly pursuing wealth, focus on creating an environment where abundance flows to you naturally. This approach invites all forms of abundance into your life. It’s a principle that proved true for Michelle and continues to work for me.

Practise:

Take some time to reflect on your current approach to happiness. Ask yourself: Are you allowing your sense of happiness to be dictated by external circumstances or the behaviour of other people? Notice if you find yourself waiting for things to change around you before permitting yourself to feel content or at peace.

Consider what it truly means to take responsibility for your own wellbeing. Imagine reclaiming the power to shape your emotional landscape, regardless of what’s happening outside of you. This means recognising that your happiness is not simply a reaction to events, but something you can actively nurture through your choices and mindset.

Begin by observing your everyday decisions and routines. Reflect on the perspectives you habitually adopt, are they serving your sense of happiness and fulfilment? Examine the principles and values you live by, as these form the foundation of your mental and emotional atmosphere. Ask yourself if your actions and attitudes are aligned with the type of person you wish to become.

To put this into practice more fully:

· Daily Reflection: At the end of each day, pause and consider which moments brought you a sense of joy, peace, or satisfaction. Notice whether these moments were influenced by external events or by your own responses and attitudes.

· Mindful Decision-Making: When facing choices, big or small, ask yourself if your decisions reflect your values and support your wellbeing. Are you acting in ways that honour what truly matters to you?

· Cultivate Gratitude: Make a habit of appreciating the good in your life, no matter how small. This helps shift focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant right now.

· Embrace Responsibility: Remind yourself regularly that you are the author of your own happiness. When challenges arise, look for ways to respond with honesty, courage, and compassion, rather than simply reacting to circumstances.

· Build Supportive Routines: Establish daily practices, such as journalling, meditation, exercise, or spending time in nature, that reinforce your sense of wellbeing and connection to yourself.

Remember, happiness is not something you stumble upon by chance. It is a quality you consciously create and strengthen through the way you choose to live each day. By adopting this proactive and mindful approach, you give yourself the best chance to experience genuine fulfilment, no matter what life brings.

Every worthwhile pursuit demands commitment. When you dedicate yourself wholeheartedly, I assure you that abundance will follow. This is not just theory; it’s something I have personally experienced.

I’ve noticed that when I am in a positive and aligned state of mind, opportunities and good things seem to flow effortlessly towards me. I can only share what I’ve genuinely experienced, so I encourage you to give it a go and see for yourself.

For example, as I write this, my story “The Shaman” has just been accepted by a major publication, a sign, I believe, that the Universe truly responds to the law of abundance. It’s remarkable how things can fall into place when you’re open and receptive.

Thank you for reading dear friends ღ.

© Stephanie Roberts