Unraveling the Mysteries of Life: Exploring the Human Condition, Meaning, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Each of us strives for absolute happiness. Each of us interprets the word “happiness” in our own way. For example, if a family is poor, they believe that happiness for them is having more money. For a person with a disability, happiness is being healthy. For someone who has everything — an apartment, a car, a business, a country house — but who chased after all of this so much that they forgot about their family, happiness is finding love and starting a family.
For each individual, it seems that if I just had more money, then I would be happy. Or if I don’t have a flat, how can I be happy? Interestingly, as soon as we acquire what we desired so much, and it seemed like we should be happy now, for a couple of days there are indeed pleasant sensations. However, these feelings fade away, and darkness sets in again.
Personally, I used to go to the store every weekend and buy a bunch of things to feel happy. I also often went to restaurants, and I was satisfied with the day. Then a new day would come, and happiness seemed to slip away from me again.
Having met my husband, I delved deeper into religion. Not only into my Orthodox Christian faith but also into Hinduism. This helped me find what my soul had been searching for — happiness. Since then, every free moment, I try to pray and remember God. When I pray, it’s as if my heart touches God — everything inside warms up. I feel a very powerful positive energy that charges me. And I realized that I don’t need to buy something to be happy. My soul just needs a connection with God. As the soul drifts away from God, one can feel depression, anger, stress, jealousy, fear, emotional pain, and so on. But as soon as the connection with God is restored, there is joy, happiness, health, love for everything, and warmth in the heart.
In the past, I failed to grasp this concept. Today, with a profound understanding of what my soul truly seeks — a connection with God, I have found a source of happiness.
What is the meaning of life?
It’s a profound question, one that many grapple with, yet not everyone can provide an answer.
While working in the mining industry, selling investment devices, a regular client came to us to purchase equipment worth $100,000. As we were dealing with paperwork and preparing the invoice, the client, seated in a chair, casually asked, ‘What do you think is the meaning of life?’
My colleagues exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of how to respond. Eventually, one of them mustered the courage and said, ‘I haven’t really thought about it. It’s a philosophical question that’s difficult to answer correctly.’
The client glanced at him and, lowering his head, seemed to contemplate something. At that moment, I felt a signal within me, urging me to answer the question. Without much hesitation, I said, ‘I believe the meaning of life lies in helping those in need.’
The client lifted his head, looked at me, and responded, ‘I used to think the same way. I remember buying fruits and toys for orphaned children, bringing them to the orphanage, wanting to do a good deed. However, the caregivers at the facility were dismayed by my purchases. They told me it would have been better if I had brought money instead of the items I bought.’
Here, I think anyone would be disheartened, feeling disappointed in people. I believe there might have been corruption, and the money wouldn’t have gone to the children but rather into the pockets of the caregivers, who were already being paid by the government. That’s why the client was trying to find an answer, wondering if what he did was wrong or contemplating the real meaning of life.
In today’s world, it’s not the time to be naive. When you want to help, sometimes you find yourself stabbed in the back. Offering assistance requires caution and attentiveness. You need to be careful so that the help you extend doesn’t harm you from those you’re helping.
As of today, the mystery of life’s meaning has unfolded for me. Every person on this planet is not born without reason; each of us carries a karma that we work through in this life. We are not living our first life here. The challenges we face are the result of our past karma. The pleasant things that happen to us are also karma. It is the outcome of the kind of person you were in the past — if you hurt or offended many, expect harm in return. If you were kind to everyone, anticipate the same treatment.
The essence of life lies in realizing God, finding the path to Him, and being liberated from pain, cold, and fear.
To substantiate my words,
I will take examples of famous female singers, examining what they achieved and the outcomes that awaited them.
Whitney Houston: A renowned vocalist, she achieved immense success with chart-topping hits and critical acclaim. However, her life took a tragic turn, and she faced personal struggles that ultimately led to her untimely demise.
Amy Winehouse: Known for her unique voice and talent, Amy Winehouse achieved widespread recognition. Sadly, her life was marred by substance abuse issues, and she faced a premature and tragic end.
Billie Holiday: An iconic jazz singer, Billie Holiday’s career was marked by remarkable achievements. Yet, she faced discrimination and hardships, and her life concluded with health issues and legal troubles.
Marilyn Monroe: Became a sex symbol of the 1950s. Despite her popularity, her family life did not unfold smoothly. All three of her marriages ended in divorces, and repeated attempts to become pregnant were unsuccessful. The actress was prone to frequent bouts of fear and depression, with sharp and unpredictable mood swings. For a significant part of her life, she also struggled with addiction to alcohol and narcotic medications, such as barbiturates.
Take a look at the biographies of other celebrities, such as Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, and many others. Despite successful careers, fame, and wealth, they face difficulties in their personal lives: relationship issues, miscarriages, alcoholism, and drug problems. Sometimes, to garner public attention, they are compelled to take controversial steps, including appearing half-naked on the red carpet — essentially selling their own bodies.
Even if you gain the whole world but lose your soul, happiness will elude you — only eternal pain. That’s what happened to the singers.
Certainly, it’s everyone’s choice what they want in life. But behind that choice, there are always consequences. Most people, on their deathbed, regret a choice that completely altered their path, seek forgiveness from God, but it’s already too late to change anything.
The choices you make today determine your happiness and where you will go after death.
Thank you for taking the time to read. It holds great significance for me. Every word shared here is authentic, representing my personal experiences and emotions. I’ve also drawn from the real experiences of singers to enhance understanding. Your engagement and consideration are sincerely valued.