When we were little, most of us saw it as a punishment when Mom or Dad asked us to tidy our rooms. To us, it was a waste of time; in our tiny world, it took up unnecessary space in our schedule of fun. Sadly, very few of us were taught that, for example, doing simple tasks responsibly can also bring us happiness.
Here is a small example. At home, as in any home, after washing and drying the clothes, we have to fold them. Many people consider folding laundry a very simple but rather tedious activity. To counter the reluctance this task provoked, I would suggest the following technique to my niece: we would collect the clothes together and take them to the bed, our designated battlefield. Once there, each of us would go to her corner, her safe zone, and within seconds the countdown would begin: 3, 2, 1… for the Battle of the Flying Clothes. Once the battle began, socks, trousers, T-shirts, and the occasional pillow would fly… and after thirty seconds, we had to fold all the clothes left in our safe zone. Of course, the battle would go on for a few more rounds. In the end, the two of us would finish folding the laundry amid plenty of laughter and fun, much faster than if we had tried doing it the traditional way.
In tedious tasks, we need to look for—“the bright side” is such a cliché—I would say, the fun. If you can have fun while doing work you do not enjoy—not all of us are fortunate enough to do work we love—you will have found one of the secrets of happiness, and you will be practicing for the time when you get to do work you do enjoy.
Having fun while working is not a sign of unfinished work; it is a sign that you are enjoying what you do to the fullest.
In the workplace, this is generally something most companies forbid. Many see it as a sign of a lack of commitment and professionalism. What a pity for those who never laughed at flying socks in childhood, or had someone teach them to enjoy what they do and be happy while doing it. Those who think they are so “professional and committed” put off true happiness until later, believing they can be absolutely certain there will be a later.
Happiness is simple; it is a decision. It means choosing to make the most of everything we have today, everything we are today, everything we do today. Happiness is enjoying every moment, every breath, every sigh. And if you are still not convinced that something so simple can make you happy, I invite you to spend a few seconds underwater and, when you feel you cannot hold your breath any longer, return to the surface. That first gulp of air will remind you that the main ingredient in the recipe for happiness is something so simple you have always taken it for granted: being able to breathe.
“If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance ahead of you.”
Andrea Boydston