Obstructions to happiness are an unfortunate commonality shared by all of humanity. By making ourselves more readily aware of this fact, it seems that empathy and understanding might prevail over the individualism of our present culture. Moreover, by recognizing the causes of our own fluctuations in temperament, gains in joyous equanimity seem to be a fantastic inevitability.

With each passing moment, it seems that our demeanor is subject to change. Certainly for most of us there is a foundation to which our values and beliefs tether our perspective. Nevertheless, for many of us, it seems that our mood remains malleable.

Most of us would love to be happy all the time, yet we frequently have difficulty overcoming a sense of inferiority, apathy or hostility. Potential irritants can range anywhere from a botched presentation to a failed test. Even the music that we choose can manipulate our demeanor if we are not consciously on-guard against the corrupt content proliferated in modern pop-culture.

The multitude of variables that cause fluctuation in our mood can be hard to identify, but we would be wise to give it our best effort. Self-awareness is the key to sustainable peace of mind, and with every moment we spend considering the source of our pain we become more and more likely to develop a stable and positive mentality. There are reasons for our spells of depression, volatility, and notions of inferiority, but these reasons are surmountable. 

The primary obstacle impeding our acquisition of sustained happiness is our innate inability to realize how good we have it. It seems that only in circumstances where we are injured or ill can we truly fathom how good it was to be healthy. Only through money becoming tight, can we appreciate the blessing of expendable income. Only in the tragic loss of a loved one can we remember the blessing of their companionship. 

Consider this an invitation to give thanks for what you have, because truth be told, it is a lot more than many can even hope to enjoy. In this moment, absorb the beauty of the day. Appreciate your health. Enjoy your friendships and let loved ones know you care. Be genuine and make an effort to show kindness even to people you don’t know. Finally, in the coming semester, capitalize on the rare opportunity that is a college education.

It’s important to remember our blessings, and consciously appreciate all that we have been given.