I am happy when others are happy. I am happy when Sachin scores another ton. I am happy when my grandchildren are cheerfully twitting.
I am rarely unhappy. If anyone asks me, anytime in the day or night, how do I feel, I would always answer “Happy like AP”!
I thought happiness was in my blood, chromosomes, DNA, brain, mind – all over me since my birth. Was I not smiling when I failed in an interview, or was scolded by my teacher when I dared to take a nap in the class? Yes, I must have been looking foolish all those times, but happy I certainly was. And I was proud of this ability till I read in the Economist (of London, England, naturally) of 18th December 2010 that, if I am like an American, this is my recently acquired trait after I got my silver locks.
Yes, you are right. According to this article, a person is quite happy when he is 18. Then the poor chap goes downward. The happiness meter shows a declining trend. Down, Down, till he reaches 35. Lowest point in terms of happiness, if you follow Arthur Stone, who made this remarkable discovery. Then, strangely, the person recovers. The index looks upwards. Climbing up! Past 60, the curve still going upward. The curve reaches the maximum point, breaking all records when one is 85! Phew!!
This is the U-curve for U!!
So, now I know!
I am happy because I am old. Because I am old, I have forgotten how unhappy I was when I was young, shouldering this and that responsibility and becoming anxious, stressful, greedy, competitive, and you know what. As I advance in age, I am becoming mature, understanding, wise, and .. but you know all that!
No point in searching for the secret. It is not genes; it is the age, old boy!!
And another silver hair..., I am going to be happier and happier every day, till I reach 85!!
Something to look forward to!!
Happy New Years!!
