Often times we are told that happiness is something earned through relationships, success, and generosity. We hear that the secret to joy is building strong bonds, cultivating kindness, and surrounding ourselves with good company. But what if that thinking is fundamentally flawed?
From my experience in MPSA, ICF Maldives, and Villijoali, I’ve learned that happiness is not the effect of these things, it is the cause.
Happy individuals bring their joy and fulfillment into their interactions, infusing their communities with energy, generosity, and kindness. It’s not relationships that create happiness; it’s happy people who create thriving relationships. In every group I’ve been a part of, the most vibrant communities weren’t happy because they existed; they flourished because the people in them already carried happiness within themselves.
This realization changes how we approach connection. Rather than expecting relationships to fulfill us, we must first cultivate joy within, because only then can we truly uplift those around us.
When happiness is abundant, it spreads effortlessly. It fuels kindness, generosity, and success: not as a response to external factors, but as a reflection of inner fulfillment. That’s why the most vibrant organizations and friendships are driven by people who already radiate joy.
So, instead of looking for happiness in relationships, we should ask: How can we bring happiness into our relationships? When we focus on fostering joy first, we create bonds that don’t just survive, they thrive.
The shift is subtle, yet transformative. If we start by cultivating inner happiness, strong communities and relationships won’t be something we seek, they’ll be something we naturally create.
Smile and Let Smile 