Being happier in 2012

If there’s a secret to happiness, I reckon it’s this.

If you’ve read my blog before, you’ll know I’ve got a bit of a writer-crush on Sam de Brito. He’s an Aussie who lives in Bondi (not a boof-head) and he tackles issues around what it means to be an Australian man, and which little nooks and crannies are homes for happiness.

… And which ones aren’t.

I love him because he’s honest. Jaw-droppingly honest. He battles the blues – although hates to use the D word – and plumbs his own soul to find out what it is that keeps us in love with living.

In his latest book, Hello Darkness, a work of fiction, two blokes are out for beers. The main character, Ned (aka Sam, in my opinion), is pre-occupied and a little crazy over a beautiful girl he feels is out of his league.

His mate accuses him of “not getting it”.

“What do you mean, mate?” Ned asks.

This is the reply: “There’s nothing wrong. You always think there’s something more to get. Something more to achieve, that everything will be perfect when you [get a date with Rosie], to get this, or get that, but it’s perfect now.”

It’s perfect now.

To me, this is the ‘ka-pow’ sentiment when it comes to finding your own sense of contentedness, your own happiness. When we struggle for things and expect that something, some achievement, some answer, someone gorgeous or some gorgeous job will make things perfect, then we trap ourselves.

There’s a lot of talk about “living in the now” and I agree with all of it, but sometimes slogans like that get bandied around so much they lose their meaning and just become another pressure we put on ourselves (“I must live in the now”).

We all know it works. Grounding your mind the present and being grateful for where you are, who you are and who you’re with makes you feel amazing – and, often, satisfied.

But to really achieve it?

Well I think Sam’s statement is fresher, and has more punch. In a word or two, it’s kinda perfect.

Reference available upon request