HappyxLife

I came across a video of TEDxMidAtlantic that tells about Sam's philosophy for a happy life. It made me really interested. I know, some of you (like me), when it comes to "happiness" and finding it, are interested too.

As we had tried to look beyond all the edges, caves, boxes and other storage of where happiness is to be found. We, along the process, made an agreement with ourselves that we will try our very best to be happy and that we are choosing happiness by all means - for it is a choice and yes, it is a decision.

From the TEDxMidAtlantic conference, Sam or Sam Berns, a teenager who has progeria - a rare genetic disorder wherein its symptoms resembles aging at early age and usually occur during the first few months of the patient showcased his philosophy for a happy life.

A syndrome like Sam's is rare. Only 350 kids worldwide have this kind of illness, making us realize that it's definitely hard to have this kind of challenge especially in this world full of judgment and the aesthetics or physical appearance that comes first before anything else as the primary deciding factor of human acceptance.

Sam, in all ways, is not insecure because he has "a very happy life." He is indeed inspiring. He showcased that life is not that heavy, we just need to accept things and be stronger. You know what they say, we must not wish life to be easier but instead pray/wish to be tougher. It will be harder, more than we can imagine but sure thing that we are going to overcome everything anyway.

Let me share to you Sam's philosophy in life and my own reflection of how I have understood him.

Sam's Philosophy for a Happy Life

1. Be OK with what you ultimately CAN'T do because there is so much you CAN do

Put things to the CAN DO category and make adjustments

Reflection: I, myself, sometimes wonder and ask how come I can't do this/that particular stuff. And I know for sure you are too. We always think that not being able to do what others can makes us less as a person. We sometimes question ourselves. Truth is, as per Sam's reiteration, we can. Things are incredibly simple. We just need to try things out and make adjustments to fully execute what we want to happen.

2. Surround yourself with people you want to be around

people with high-quality

Reflection: I get it, we keep people because we can't let them go. We can't let them go because we are hoping for changes to occur. But don't ever settle for anything less than you deserve. You might think that they are your friends, but if they talk behind your back, say ill things about you and don't ever accept you with whatever personality (given that you are not doing evil stuff and is a good person to be considered. *wink wink*) you have, they can't be considered as your friends. 

As Sam said it "people with high-quality". I know you have experienced it too. Having (or thinking you have) friends that will be there for you throughout. It will all be fun at first, indeed, but you must remember that true friendship will be tested without all the sweet coatings, concealers and the happy times. It will be tested when everything is getting worse that even you can't stand it at the moment. If your friends are going against you than you guys going against the problem... sweetie, I'm sorry to tell you this but they're not your friends at all. 

Let them talk against you, let them wonder what you are thinking, let them say whatever they want to say but don't ever do the same thing that they're doing to you. If you do, you are no different. Be nice when they are nice and be nicer when they are not. In this way, you will know more about people and primarily, yourself. Petty issues are petty, if they are going against you for that petty stuff, then that's on them not on you. 

Treasure those people who are true to you beyond borders, beyond all situations in life. Love and appreciate your family and friends because they are the intangible among all the tangible of things that you have here on earth. They make a difference in your life. 

3. Keep Moving Forward

 "Around here, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing things." - Walt Disney (Meet the Robinsons)

Always have something to look forward to. It doesn't have to be big.

Try not to waste energy feeling bad for yourself. 

No matter what you choose to become, you can change the world.

You have to be brave; it's not always gonna be easy. 

Reflection: Yes, life is tough but you've gotta to be tougher. In this world where there are borders and measurement of everything, it's hard to go by, by all means, it's hard. But as Sam said it, let's try not to waste our energies feeling bad for ourselves. If he can, so can we. At the sideline of the reality, we must see ourselves on the peripheral and go over the stuff that can help us to become what we expect ourselves to be. Who cares if everyone is going on the different direction? Having your own doesn't mean you're wrong. It's just a matter of preference and decision. Decision to achieve what you want to achieve and the decision to be and stay happy while achieving it. 

4. Never miss a party if you can help it

Go out there, be with people, be happy, stay happy and spread it.

TEDxMidAtlantic | Sam Berns

My Philosophy for a Happy Life