How to be happy- a poem by Dr Javed Alam

How to be happy 

"Never", say philosophers, 
chase happiness.
More you chase it,
more elusive happiness becomes.

If you can learn to invest in your family, 
friends, community, and work, 
and not move like an unhinged asteroid;
If you can find a purpose, 
beyond yourself, to live,
and not get caught in your vanities;
If you can find an activity, a hobby, 
where you forget the daily drudgery,
and live in the present moment;
If you can remember 
everyone gets his share of problems,
and learn to carry a hope

despite life's tribulations;
If you can use gratitude 
to tame your unbridled desires, 
and learn to interpret 

life experiences more positively; 
And if you can stop, throwing seeds 
on sand, chasing happiness, 
THEN you will discover the truth:

"happiness is a side effect
of leading a good, meaningful, life".

(Poet's Espresso Review- USA)
©️drjal02