"أحب أن أكون سعيدا دائما بدلا من أن أكون كريما."

The idea here is pretty straightforward: some people value happiness over the need to always seem proper and respectable. It's about choosing joy and fulfillment even if it means occasionally letting go of societal norms or expectations. This mindset encourages us to prioritize our emotional well-being over the appearance of dignity.

Now, to dive a bit into the context. This quote comes from Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre," a classic novel published in 1847. The protagonist, Jane, is someone who faces a lot of tough choices in her life. Those words reflect a moment of profound self-awareness and honesty. She realizes that happiness is more valuable to her than maintaining a façade of dignity. This was pretty radical for the time—Victorian society was all about maintaining appearances, especially for women. They were expected to act in ways that were deemed 'respectable' at all times.

Let’s bring this down to earth with a real-life example. Picture a young woman, let's call her Sarah. She works in a high-pressure corporate job. Every day, she wears immaculate suits, speaks in a composed and professional manner, and never shows a hint of her true feelings. This "dignified" demeanor earns her respect, but it's exhausting. Sarah loves painting—it's her passion and it makes her genuinely happy. But she hides this creative side because she worries it won't seem professional.

One day, Sarah decides to let go a bit. She starts bringing small, colorful paintings to decorate her office. She even joins an art class that meets right after work. Her colleagues are surprised—some are even skeptical—but Sarah feels more alive and authentic than ever. She’s still good at her job, but now she’s more relaxed and genuinely happy.

To apply this bit of wisdom in your own life, start by identifying what truly makes you happy. It could be anything—singing, gardening, dancing, writing, or even something as simple as taking long walks. Don’t worry so much about what others might think. If you love it and it brings you joy, give it a place in your life. You don't have to abandon your responsibilities or your job. Just carve out a little time for the things that make you smile.

Now, imagine a scenario. You're at a party where you don't know many people. Everyone is dressed to impress, and the conversation is all very surface-level and polite. You spot a piano in the corner of the room. You're a decent player, but you're worried that playing might seem undignified or like you're showing off. But then you remember this idea—happiness over dignity. You sit down and start playing a cheerful tune. At first, people are surprised. But soon, the atmosphere shifts. People gather around, they start singing along, and the party becomes more relaxed and fun. Your choice to prioritize happiness over keeping up appearances not only lifted your spirits but also brought joy to others.

In the end, it's about balance. Sure, there are moments when a bit of dignity is necessary. But don't let it overshadow your happiness. Life’s too short to be lived solely by the rules of what others think is 'proper.' Be happy. Be you.