Dear Diary: 07 August 2022 Happiness challenge reflections!!

Happiness is lovely. Happiness is healthy. Happiness is health to our bones. Serotonin, dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin totally destroy depression and anxiety. These are the happiness hormones that make everyday life easy, enjoyable and sweet. Yesterday I had this burning question in my mind. I thought the best person to answer this question is Mahlako Amatala Lady Anne Nyembe Mogoe (Forgive my spelling). Are we taught happiness when we grow up or we are taught to be strong and strive for success? What are the effects of that in our current mental health? Are we not bitter as life is passing us by, whilst we are strong for everything and everyone!!

Don't get me wrong being strong is Biblical and comes in highly recommended in scriptures but also CHEERFULNESS, GLADNESS, HAPPINESS is also highly recommended in scriptures as well. In Hebrew texts "happiness" as a word is used interchangeably with the word "BLESSED". It would seem to me that we need a balance. We need both capabilities. We need to be "happily strong" (chuckles). Ooh how I just love the Word of God!!

I think as children we are taught to run relentlessly to material or physical success as that has a key to our own happiness. Even though that is partly true, the other half of the truth is "HAPPINESS IS ALSO SUCCESS". I repeat "HAPPINESS IS ALSO SUCCESS". In fact Ps Ralph said, 11 years ago, "success is being one with God". So don't beat yourself up, when you feel like you have not materially succeeded, focus on the inner incorruptible substance deposited in you by Christ Jesus. THAT IS YOUR HAPPINESS!!

I dedicate today's blog to two people. My Uncle and Aunt, Mkhuseli Sobantwana and Nontle Sobantwana, who put their happiness aside to put literary everyone in my Grandmother's house through tertiary education. Uyobongwa uphila namaQhawe Dosini nawe Tolokazi.

I also dedicate today's blog to Mahlako for defying all narratives about the mundane and ordinary way of living life. I have never seen such a happy, content and fulfilled person in this life like you!! You have a date with life everyday!! You always dig for more in this life!! Love you Sis!!