Are You Happy?

Overheard on the radio this morning as I am dragging my jet lagged body off the bed to go to work...

"7 in 10 people in Singapore are Happy.
6 in 10 people in Hong Kong and Japan say they are Happy.
9 in 10 people in Thailand, India, Vietnam etc say they are Happy."

I know happiness is a rather subjective thing.
But hearing this, I can't help but see the pattern. Are people in richer countries less happy?

Am I happy? I have no answer...

We have all the things money can buy but we end up empty inside. We are so preoccupied with the accumulation of materialistic wealth that we forget the simple pleasures life brings you. The small things that we grow accustomed and turn a blind eye to.
And that, unfortunately seems like a wide-spread trend.

Perhaps the more we have, the less satisfied we are. We just gnaw away at our happiness when we focus on the things we still do not have.

I am such a victim.
My recent trip to Barcelona, Rome and Florence is such an eye opener, it left me astounded and overwhelmed.
I left my heart in Rome.

In Rome, I see satisfaction in their laid-back attitude.
Being satisfied with what they have, they actually allow themselves to take things slower.. take a breather.
Enjoy the sunrise, enjoy the happenings around them.
Enjoy their caffe, they're heavenly gelato.
The people I meet, actually look happy to be where they are.

The Barcelonians thoroughly enjoy their Sunday. They lie down at the harbour, sun-tan, feed the sea-gulls, take leisurely strolls.
We Singaporeans spend Sunday rushing errands we couldn't complete during the weekdays because we're working OT.

Now I know why Sistine Chapel is impressive, why Raphael Rooms are famed and why Micheangelo's David (Florence) is such a stunner.
Passion and dedication. Its seen in the excellance of the masterpieces.

Relishing the holiday, I feel a tad embarrassed at who I am.
I'm not happy, but I will learn to.
I'm not passionate about the things I do, but I'm making a change.

I will be Happy Too!