"La verdad es que no necesitas ninguna influencia externa para hacerte sentir feliz"

You don't need anything external to make you happy. That's the core idea. The notion here is that happiness isn't something you find from outside yourself; instead, it's something you cultivate from within. If you're always looking to people, events, or things to bring you joy, you might find yourself on an endless search. True happiness comes from within.

This idea isn't new. It has roots in ancient philosophies and teachings. Think of the Stoics in ancient Greece, people like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. They believed that our reactions are what shape our experiences, not the experiences themselves. Even in more recent times, this idea pops up. Remember when you were a kid, and someone gave you a piece of advice that seemed too simple to be true? "Happiness comes from within." You might have rolled your eyes, but these words have stood the test of time for a reason.

Let's bring this down to earth with a real-life example. Imagine two people, both working similar jobs with similar salaries. One of them, let's call her Sarah, believes that she'll be happy only when she gets a promotion, buys a fancy car, and lives in a big house. The other, let's call him Dave, finds joy in everyday moments — a good cup of coffee, a walk in the park, a chat with a friend. Over time, Sarah might get her promotion, her car, and her house, but she might still feel an emptiness, always looking for the next thing. Dave, on the other hand, continues to find contentment in the small things, leading a consistently happy life.

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by recognizing the simple joys. It sounds cliché, but keep a gratitude journal. Write down three things you're thankful for each day. They don't have to be big things. Maybe it’s the taste of your morning coffee, a call from a friend, or the way sunlight filters through your window. This helps shift your focus from what you lack to what you already have.

Now, let’s dive into a relatable scenario. Picture this: you're stuck in traffic. You can choose to fume, cursing the situation, feeling your stress levels rise. Or, you can take a deep breath and turn this moment into something tolerable, even enjoyable. Play your favorite podcast or an upbeat music playlist. Call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while. Notice the colors in the sky as the sun sets. It's a small shift in perspective, but it makes a huge difference. You’re reclaiming your power to choose happiness regardless of your circumstances.

This doesn’t mean you should ignore your goals or stop striving for better things. It means that you anchor your happiness in the present moment and within yourself, not in external achievements or possessions.

Think about your daily life. Are there moments where you're postponing happiness, thinking, "I'll be happy when..."? Catch yourself in those moments. Instead, find something right now that brings you joy. It could be as simple as a deep breath, a smile from a stranger, or the first bite of your favorite meal.

In the end, it's about realizing that joy is a choice and that you have control over it. Happiness is an inside job. So next time you’re feeling down, remember, you don’t need something external to make you happy — you’ve got everything you need right inside you.