The Pursuit of Happiness: A Personal Exploration
“The secret of happiness is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”
— Socrates
Today is International Happiness Day and no better time to publish my collection of thoughts and notes from over the years.
In short, happiness is a state where nothing is missing from one’s life. That’s it.
Let’s go deeper on that…
Happiness is being satisfied with what you have, what you are and how you react/interact (or not) to the world and people around you. When you want nothing, need nothing (and also accepting you for you), your body, mind and soul find a calmness, balance, peace, almost a meditative state.
When nothing feels missing, there is a sense of completeness and peace. What creates that feeling, however, is unique to each person, and our understanding of it evolves with age, maturity, wisdom, experiences, education, curiosity, intuition, and a deeper awareness of both ourselves and the world around us.
With this logic, it can be argued that happiness is a choice. We (kind of) choose our desires, societal influences (such as unsustainable consumerism) , family and peer pressure, comparing ourselves to others and so on. These are all in the most part under our control - if we are aware and choose to. It’s not easy, but it’s doable. As and when we reach this state (or somewhere on this spectrum), there is a sense of calmness, peace and weight lifted off your shoulders, which intrinsically converts to contentment.
Happiness is also a temporary state, something you can easily fall in out and out of. There’s a vulnerability about it, not only in its transient nature, but by adopting its perspective and allowing yourself to be exposed and genuine, which is risky and most people resist. Children are a great example of naturally happy people—fully immersed in the moment, carefree, and experiencing pure, innocent joy. The real challenge lies in maintaining that state as adults.
Who’s not “happy”?
Extremely driven, competitive and ambitious people are unlikely (or very difficult) to find this state, at least for long periods of time. There will always be the next thing, next project, next goal and it is difficult to find some level of satisfaction, mostly vocational.
Once upon a time, this was me. How do I accomplish X in the shortest amount of time? How do I ensure I am better than my peer group? What can I do to rise up the ladder? Can I do this at any cost? The “cost” defined as what I am willing to sacrifice, whether relationships, my health, personality, values or morals.
On the flip side, I also think it’s this ambition that drove me to finding my more authentic self, driving me to (re)discover my own values and character and what is really important to me, as opposed to what the norms and pulls of society.
Another point, as cliche as this sounds, is being present. Living in the past through regret or a constant ‘should have’ mentality, or always projecting yourself into the future, puts you out of sync because there is always something left undone, another milestone to chase, or a different outcome you wish had happened. Many people would argue this is simply human nature. Perhaps. But I also wonder how much of it is learned behaviour, shaped by a modern world that rewards constant striving, encourages us to want more, achieve more, and become more, yet rarely teaches us how to be content with what already is.
What have I learnt over these years?
Meditation: More Than Just a Trend
Meditation and meditative activities are underrated, but are as important as exercise or brushing your teeth. People think of meditation as a chore or a new extracurricular activity to do. These days, there are way too many YouTube videos, apps, books and podcasts on meditation, there is an overload of information - it almost feels like a fad. I think most focus on the how and get lost and overwhelmed with the many recommended techniques. At the end of the day, it’s just being able to sit alone with your thoughts and reflections. It is a way of life, a skill set you cultivate.
There are many meditative activities; yoga, exercise, journaling, playing an instrument, painting, photography, going for a walk. These activities help pull you into the present moment. Creative pursuits, in particular, can be especially meditative, tapping into the core of our human nature - an area I can relate to. In photography, for example, the focus on movement, light, shadows, and details can be deeply immersive. These activities reveal something personal and authentic within us.
Ikigai & Knowing Yourself: The Key to True Happiness
This brings us to the next point—self-discovery and awareness. Understanding yourself deeply—knowing your strengths, passions, what brings you joy, and what aligns with your core morals and value—without being distracted by the external world, is key. In today’s fast-paced, noise-filled society, it’s easy to lose sight of who we are and what truly matters to us.
Self-awareness is not just about knowing what you’re good at or what makes you happy, but also about understanding your deeper motivations and the underlying purpose that drives you. Essentially, it’s about finding your ikigai (you can look up the Venn diagram of this concept) not solely on a vocational level, but on a personal one. Discovering that overlap is likely where true happiness lies, or at the very least, it plays a significant role in fostering it. When you align your choices, actions and decisions to what you truly love, your natural and authentic self and what deeply matters to you, it creates a sense of fulfilment that goes beyond surface level milestones or material gains. The joy that comes from this alignment is not only lasting but also brings a deep sense of inner peace. This harmony creates a life where happiness is not just a goal to reach, but a natural byproduct of living with purpose, clarity and authenticity.
The People Around You Shape Your Happiness
Relationships are crucial for well-being and happiness - think back to the 80 year Harvard study on human happiness. By relationships, we mean deep, meaningful and personal connections - not your Facebook acquaintances. Eliminating toxic relationships—those filled with envy, negativity, or draining energy—and focus on investing in people who truly nourish your heart, soul, and intellect. These are the individuals who leave you feeling energised after a conversation, who lift you up rather than weigh you down. These are the people you can’t wait to call, the ones who make you excited to connect, because their presence in your life feels like a true source of support, inspiration, and positivity. Think about your personal network, identify those relationships that you should invest in. As the saying goes, “You are the sum of the people you surround yourself with”. I cannot stress how powerful this exercise is in one’s life.
Reconnecting with Nature: A Source of Inner Peace
Nature is another crucial factor in the pursuit of happiness, and I can speak to this from personal experience. I’ve learned so much about myself—my spiritual self, my energy—through my connection with nature. It has, without a doubt, been my greatest teacher.
Nature has a unique ability to bring peace and calmness, which plays a pivotal role in fostering happiness. It offers a space where the noise of the world fades away, and you can truly reconnect with yourself. This is something I often try to communicate with my guests on safari: allow yourself to connect with nature, no matter how small the experience might seem. Put down your phone and camera, and just be present in the moment, fully experiencing what you are witnessing. Even for a brief moment, surrender to the moment—there is something incredibly powerful in nature. It impacts people in unique ways, but it’s always there, offering a quiet, grounding force.
The key is to allow yourself to be a little vulnerable—to let go, to feel, to see with your heart and soul. Nature doesn’t demand anything from you. It simply invites you to be, to observe, and to receive. When you do, it has the power to shift your perspective, calm your mind, and awaken something deep within. Try it. Go on a safari.
The Power of Curiosity: A Lifelong Path to Learning, Creativity, and Growth
Finally, there’s something profoundly powerful about curiosity—the natural drive to explore, learn, and discover. This point is a work in progress for me, but I believe it plays a significant role in the pursuit of happiness or it could be a consequence. Regardless, this is an important personality characteristic. Curiosity connects directly to self-discovery and a deep, inherent interest in the world around you. It’s not about following prescribed paths or societal expectations—like being told what to do, how to live, or what to wear—but rather about creating and learning through your own curiosity. When you follow what genuinely intrigues or excites you, it leads to moments of joy and satisfaction that make you feel truly alive.
Being curious brings you into the present, it opens doors to flow states, where time seems to disappear, and you’re fully immersed in the process. It’s an invitation to explore and create on your own terms, not bound by rules or external judgments. This freedom to pursue what fascinates you, without constraints, creates a sense of freedom and fulfilment. Whether it’s an input, a consequence, or something in between, curiosity contributes to a state of happiness. It energises the mind, nourishes the soul, and makes life feel richer and more meaningful.
I think I’ve always been naturally curious. It’s not something I ever really thought about—it’s just how I am. That curiosity has shaped the way I see the world, pushed me to explore beyond the surface, and led me to take risks I might not have otherwise. It’s what’s made me dive into new experiences, sometimes without overthinking them, and those moments have often turned out to be the most meaningful. Photography and spending time in nature have only amplified this—forcing me to slow down, pay attention, and notice things that maybe most wouldn’t.
“Happiness is the default state. It’s what’s there when you remove the sense that something is missing in your life.” — Naval Ravikant
In the end, the sources and path to happiness are deeply personal. This exploratory blog merely scratches the surface of what is a much deeper and ongoing life long journey. The older I get, the less I think happiness is something you find, and the more I think it is something you uncover when the noise begins to fade.
Wishing you a beautiful journey in your own pursuit to happiness.
