"ليس هناك واجب نقلل من شأنه بقدر واجب أن نكون سعداء"

We often overlook how crucial it is to prioritize our own happiness. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, to focus on our responsibilities and the never-ending to-do lists, but we often forget that being happy is actually something we owe to ourselves. Happiness isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for our well-being.

This idea isn't new. People have been talking about the importance of happiness for centuries. Take the philosophers of ancient Greece, for example. Aristotle believed that happiness, or 'eudaimonia' as he called it, was the ultimate goal of life. He thought that every action we take is in some way aimed at achieving happiness. Fast forward to more modern times, and you see people like the Dalai Lama emphasizing that happiness is a state of mind and something we should actively cultivate.

Now, let’s bring this down to real life. Imagine you have a friend named Sarah. Sarah works tirelessly at her job. She's great at what she does and always goes the extra mile. But Sarah rarely takes time for herself. She skips lunch breaks, works late into the night, and even on weekends, she’s thinking about the next big project. Sarah believes she's doing her duty by being so dedicated to her work. But over time, she starts to feel burnt out. Her joy and enthusiasm fade away. She’s doing everything she thinks she should be doing, but she isn't happy.

Then, one day, Sarah decides to make a change. She starts small—takes a full lunch break, goes for walks in the park, picks up her old hobby of painting. She begins to laugh more, feels lighter, and her work even benefits because she's more engaged and creative. By prioritizing her happiness, she finds herself in a better place both personally and professionally. Sarah's journey underscores that happiness isn't just fluff; it's fundamental.

So, how can you apply this idea to your own life? Start by identifying what makes you happy. It could be spending time with family, reading a good book, or traveling. Make a conscious effort to incorporate these things into your day-to-day routine. It’s also important to take care of your mental and physical health—exercise, eat well, and make time for relaxation. Remember, it's not selfish to put your happiness first. When you're happy, you're better equipped to help others and tackle life's challenges.

Think about this scenario: You’re on an airplane, and the flight attendant gives the safety briefing. They always tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. Why? Because you can’t help anyone if you’re struggling to breathe yourself. The same logic applies to happiness. If you’re not in a good place, how can you expect to be there for others?

So, next time you feel overwhelmed with duties and responsibilities, take a step back. Ask yourself: Have I done something just for me today? Have I taken a moment to breathe, to smile, to enjoy life? Don't underestimate the power of being happy. It’s not just a luxury—it’s a duty, one that we should all take seriously. After all, our well-being and the well-being of those around us depend on it.