How to be happy now

Choosing joy in the in-between moments of life

Within the space of two weeks, I had experienced the most fun I can remember having in the last two or so years. Spontaneity. Being fully present in the moment. Giving myself permission to be free. As much as my realisations were calling me to re-think my goals and begin proactively making difficult decisions, I also felt that alongside this, joy was needed.

In my previous post I spoke about how prior to Ghana, I had been living in autopilot mode. It took me a while to acknowledge that I had got caught up in endless to-do lists, so much so that I wasn’t making room for the in-between moments. And what I eventually understood was that life was meant to be lived in those in-between moments, the moments between where you are at a given moment and where you desire to be.

The outcomes I was seeking were distracting me from living presently in the now. I was used to the idea that “once I complete this” or “do that”, then I can be happy. But I was reminded in Ghana that there are many moments along the journey that can bring me happiness. There will always be things to do, but it was important for me to make time to just be. Whether that be being on my own, or, being in community.

So back to those two weeks. It was “December in Ghana”, a season that is filled with enjoyment, time with family and friends, and events! As part of the festivities, I attended Afrochella and in the new year, the Black Star Line Festival. Both of these were very sensory experiences - food, music, colour, warmth. And there were so many young people from all walks of life and corners of the globe gathered together for the purpose of these events.

Middle photograph by @agyeman_duah_ taken in Accra, Ghana 2022.

I had begun making significant changes to my life over this two-week period around the new year. Changes that were uncomfortable! And so being one among thousands in a crowd was a very humbling and liberating experience. The energy was electric and the vibes were immaculate. As I took in all that was happening around me at these events and all the different faces and voices, I remember feeling a sense of hope about my life amidst the challenges.

There’s something ironic about me finding moments of peace and clarity at these festivals, with speakers booming and the push and shove that are part of the atmosphere. But being in the crowd, swaying to the music and allowing myself to add my voice to the chants of the other people around me was an in-between moment. A moment in time that I could either let escape me or be embraced with joy. I chose joy.

Let’s pause to ask ourselves:

Am I living a present life?

Am I choosing joy in the in-between moments of life?

Am I making time to just be?

I am still answering these questions and I hope that my short reflections this week provide some food for thought to perhaps get you thinking about your own answers to these questions.

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