What makes you happy?

Posted by ~Summer~ on March 19, 2012
in ,

It never fails to make me smile when Angel smiles, never fails to make me laugh when she laughs, never fails to make me guffaw when she guffaws.

I was once told that "You have a happy baby", and I'm very glad for that.

But what constantly amazes me is what makes her happy.

Things that make Angel squeal with delight:

1) Singing the same song for the 100th time

2) Reading a book that's torn and worn out

3) Jumping on my old queen-size mattress

4) Watching ducks swimming in the lake

5) Marching 20 rounds in our house and singing "The ants go marching"

6) Chasing after butterflies in the park

7) Looking at videos of her as a baby

8) Holding hands and running around in circles

9) Soaking in the tub and squirting water with a rubber dolphin

10) Staring at fishes in the tank and spotting her favourite shrimp

It dawned on me that kids are really very simple. They don't need fanciful toys or a big house to be happy. They don't need to engage in overpriced activities that won't necessarily guarantee a smile. They don't need you to burn your pockets just to buy them joy.

But they do need love. All they're asking is for mummy and daddy to spend time with them, to do silly things with them, to dance and laugh with them, to let them know they are not alone.

Happiness is only real when shared, not when alone. Of the ten things I listed, they wouldn't have brought so much fun and laughter if she did them alone. What mattered to her was that we did them together. In fact, I guess she doesn't even mind what we do, as long as we do it together.

Simple things can make a happy child.

So sometimes, I can't help but wonder why is it that the older we grow, the harder it seems to be happy. It's like as we grow up, we have higher expectations, we seek perfection, we frown more easily, we complicate life and in the end become dissatisfied, displeased and disgruntled.

In fact, why do we need branded bags, luxury cars, technology gadgets and condominiums? Why do we chase after social status, fame, money and power? These are things that die when you die. But love and happiness, well, laugh at me if you want but I think they live forever in our hearts.


Life is supposed to be simple. We just forgot along the way.


14 comments:

  1. My sentiments exactly! You always find a way to express my exact feelings in an apt way that I couldn't. Thumbs up.

    I actually felt this when I was looking at the stray dogs in Thailand running around playing with the village kids..... 他们都能这么快乐,我在烦什么?

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    1. Haha thanks, so glad we think alike. =) Yes, I supposed living overseas made me realise just how blessed we should be feeling, something that I probably took for granted last time in Singapore. =) Let's all be happy yeah? Hope baby noah is treating you well!

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    2. Hello Summer,

      I think Noah is getting more used to life in the atmosphere, haha.... starting to sleep better at night. I made fun of him quite a bit on my blog! I don't think he will be impressed when he eventually locates my blog.

      Eddie

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    3. Haha yes I saw some of them! Your comics made me laugh. =) Glad he is adapting well! =p I'll tell him bout your blog when he grows up! Lol!

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  2. It is so true tat kids dont need alot to make them happy - I guess that is how true and simple contentment is like.

    Btw I will like to invite u to join a community of mom bloggers on FB. It is a vibrant community of singapore mom bloggers that network, share, and interact with one another. Do join us here at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Singaporemombloggers/

    Oh and it doesnt matter that u are not based in Singapore ;)

    Rachel - http://www.catch-fortywinks.com

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    1. Hi Rachel, yes I think kids teach us so much about life and how we should be contented with it. Yes I'll join in soon and hope to know more fellow bloggers in Singapore! Btw I'll be coming back this year so I'll be based in homeland too! =) Thanks for popping by!

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  3. Great post Summer, if only the simplicity if childhood stayed with us for life

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    1. Thanks Rhianna, sometimes I do wish that too. =p Kids are the happiest!

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  4. What a wonderful post! I absolutely agree with everything. It's so important to give our kids not only quality time but quantity time too :)

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    1. You are right, Heather. It's that togetherness that's so important! Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my blog when she comes and tugs my shirt, asking me to go play and I feel bad if I neglect her. Guess I just need to wait till she sleeps!

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  5. I love this post! Thanks for reminding me about the simple things that make me happy. I have sung 'You're so Vain" about a 1000 times and it still makes me happy. Rachel

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    1. You are welcome Rachel! =) Yes there's always one magical song that does that. =p

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  6. I think you have summed this up absolutely perfectly. It is always the simple things that bring happiness.
    That, and shopping ;)

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    1. Thanks Jess, yes always the simplest things. Don't deny about shopping too, lol!

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