Wynne C
I just returned from a holiday with my family in Vietnam. We had such a good time enjoying adventurous street food in Hanoi and the sceneries in Halong Bay and Tam Coc. However, what struck me the most was the richness of the Vietnamese culture and people.
Through the five short days I spent there, I have learnt that the true depth of a nation’s character goes far beyond how orderly the traffic is, how hygienic the restaurants are and how organised the government system is.
Through a few short encounters with people from different walks of life in Vietnam, I see contentment and happiness in the little things. Whether it be the bell boy and receptionist at the hotel, waiting staff at restaurants (even fast food chains!), tour guides, taxi drivers or street vendors, they radiate joy, a positive attitude and display a pride in what they do. Even a slightly scruffy old gentleman who was sitting on a low stool by the roadside volunteered to help with directions when we were slightly lost. Amidst all the beauty of the ocean and mountains that we took in, that little act of kindness is probably what would stick with me from my trip to Vietnam.
It occurred to me how wrong we view our everyday lives sometimes. How many times have we caught ourselves thinking, “If only I had a higher paying job”, “If only I worked harder in school”, “If only I didn’t choose this husband or wife”, “If only I was born into a different family”, “If only I was not cheated by my business partners”, “If only I had more time”? The list goes on and on. If only this or that happens, then I will be happy. The “if only” scenarios paint a momentary picture of a life imaginably better. There is nothing wrong with wishing things would be different or better. However, too often than not, these “if only” scenarios are followed by toxic thoughts that affect our drive and productivity, which ultimately consumes our joy.
I could not help but wonder how different the Vietnamese people I have come across would act if they were caught up in “if only” scenarios. That receptionist who went above and beyond with welcome drinks and an enthusiastic introduction of the city of Hanoi? She would probably be too occupied with comparing her lifestyle to tourists she meets to take any pride in her very important role of being the first few people international visitors meet in the city. If the tour guides were to have an “if only” mindset, they would probably be too busy thinking about the total amount of tips they would receive for their long day of work rather than focusing on introducing their beautiful country to the world.
It is all too easy to be caught up in “if only” scenarios and if we are not careful, it will steal our joy and zest for life. The secret to happiness is actually no secret at all. In fact, it has been written in one of my favourite verses in the Bible taken from the book of 1 Timothy, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
Of course, it is one thing to know the secret to happiness, and it is another to truly embrace it. I am fully aware of how far I fall short of this standard and but these are a few things I have noticed in people who walk the walk and talk the talk:
1. They are thankful for the small things in life.
2. They automatically look at the bright side of a situation.
3. They never fail to show their appreciation to people who have shown them kindness.
4. They have a big heart to forgive, easily give others the benefit of doubt, and do not keep count of the wrong done against them.
These may seem like five simple, almost menial things, but to actually put them in practice requires a great deal of confidence, self-control and discipline. All great things have humble beginnings. Start with the little things! Think about what you would do the next time you are in traffic and another car cuts in front of you? Or when your sibling or partner says something that really annoys you? True depth of character and pursuit of happiness is only tested in adversity.