Christmas is around the corner, quite literally now past the bend of the weekend, and beyond its religious significance, it oft serves as a hallmark for reflection. Very much so the precursor of the end of yet another (hopefully) fruitful year, it brings glad tidings whilst we mull over the trials and tribulations we have painstakingly weathered. And still I find no alternative route then to question the entity of life and what being human entails. The key to that lock lies therein the inevitable rhetorical question: Are you happy?

The way I see it, it's the little things that make us who we are but the bigger elements a constant reminder of who we aren't. No matter the cliched, it boils down to the notion of perspective. Truly, no one can elucidate the true meaning of being happy but yourself. But perspective is a queer concept if I might add. The idealistic world is constantly nagging at you to focus on the smaller things in life and simply be satisfied with those. Some might even consider the fact that the apocalypse has once again been postponed (to no end) a blessing and a reason to be happy. Statistics are testament to the fact that many poor countries out there are amongst the happiest in the world and still we aren't. Pardon me for being impartially cynical but the reason these people are happy given their circumstances is because they know no better.

The choice to adopt a sanguine disposition is ours but to be happy in spite of all odds going against you comes across as such an ineffable, and almost surrealistic, quality. Literally, it seems to be good to be true, too sad to be happy. The choice always remains but just because there is a choice doesn't mean we have control over our liberty. Freedom is just another idealistic concept we perceive to be the better choice but when pushed to our limits, we are but the slaves of our desperation and inherent need to survive.

Either that, or these folks have simply fallen into a state of helplessness, bounded by delusion, they are forced to take this "choice" and be happy. Because life is already at its worst, things can not possibly deteriorate further and the best way to live and let live from here on is to try to be happy. Insouciance and pure blithe unconcern can change our attitude towards life and even through our suffering, we can weather a smile and at least prove to the world we are stronger than they think we are.

I am no judge of course, and by no means am I criticizing or mocking these happy folks. I'm just too paranoid to believe that true bliss can persist despite the growing lust for wealth, affluence coupled with the unlawful forces of nature wrecking havoc from time to time.

But that doesn't give us reason to stop trying. Even if it means holding up a facade that no one can see through, it is more than enough.

Given where we are and who we have become in recent times, the humble action of trying to be happy has already surpassed the notion of being happy.

Merry Christmas!