Finding Happiness In A Trip Back To The Motherland
Start writing a post

Finding Happiness In A Trip Back To The Motherland

A state of being only becomes once we set our minds to it.

1533
Finding Happiness In A Trip Back To The Motherland
Unsplash

We all crave happiness. We seem to find happiness as though it’s a unique object to be discovered and treasured. We are constantly riding the journey to attach this state of being to tangible objects.

However, being back in the motherland provided me with a different perspective.

One of my favorite cities in India is Mumbai. As my sister is getting engaged in Chennai, my family and I decided to make a stop at Mumbai before heading to the extravagant ceremony. It had been more than 10 years since I visited the city of Bollywood and I was thrilled to return to this beautiful city.

As I set foot on the road outside the airport, I smelled the crisp air that was unique to the city. Seeing the unbeatable traffic, hearing everyone honk their car horns, and witnessing the motorcycles drive in a zigzag manner, I was reminded of the civilians' comfort with the lack of structure and organization.

We were fighting our jetlag as we stepped out to explore the city and devour in authentic Indian food. The buildings seemed old and the roads were filled with objects I was unable to identify but I sensed the same invigorating energy I felt about a decade ago. The breeze blew my hair and men sold fresh coconut water on every other street we turned. These small aspects seemed to draw big smiles on my face.

When we reached the lobby of our hotel, the staff members wore traditional white and golden sarees and veshtis in the spirit of Pongal, a festival celebrated in the southern part of India. The chefs had a different menu consisting of Southern Indian delicacies in light of the festival. I was surprised to see local Mumbaikars celebrating festivals and embracing cultures from different parts of India.

Although we covered a majority of the places in our itinerary, my heart sank as we headed back to the airport. Sitting in the plane and departing the beautiful city made me realize the pure essence of happiness.

Happiness can be found anywhere. No matter where we are or what we are surrounded by, being happy stems from within.

We carry the emotion of joy in our hearts no matter where we set our foot in this world. It’s simply due to our ability to channel that specific emotion we claim ourselves to be happy and radiate positivity.

Our happy endings are destined to occur if we set our minds to it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59099
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38174
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959650
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196699
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments