The Architecture of Happiness

Hello blogosphere. Greetings from Prague! I was initially writing an entry on how things have been in Prague, but that draft keeps being interrupted (at work), and now I've simply lost interest in continuing the draft. It's Friday morning here, and my sixth week at work is officially coming to an end as well. To summarize, work life has been stressful at times, but I find myself overall happy because of the little things like.. the cup of coffee and croissant patiently waiting for me to devour them.

My little haven at work

As cliché as it sounds, it's the little things. I live by the central station (imagine the one in NY.. because I can't.. because.. I've never been haha) in Prague, and it's only a 15-20 minute metro ride from there to work. The moment I sit, I take out this book I was gifted with about 2 years ago. It's a book written by the creative director of TBWA\Chiat\Day- Korea, and he's famous for his creativity and insight. His ads are well known to the public, even to people who have no interest in the world of mad men, and that reason being, he's asked this question a lot, "How do you become creative?" Ha! This is a question I also want to know an answer to, but his answer is almost too random--"Read humanities." In this book (he actually has several), he introduces and gives a sneak peak of the books he recommends, and almost after every chapter, he reminds the readers that reading makes our lives "rich" because we become appreciative of the little details, small things around us.

It really must be the little things. If there is one thing I've learned about myself this past year is that I tend to be a little anti-climatic with the big events in my life (For that reason, I appreciate my friends who are more excited and celebratory for me). A good example would be.. I thought once I get my driver's license, I would jump around the whole neighborhood of Westwood in happiness. But once I was licensed, there were other things I wanted to pursue after. Maybe it's a bit exaggerated, but I think the first hour of my day, when I read the book in the metro, brew coffee in the office, and take a bite out of the chocolate croissant with a sip of hot coffee at my desk is what makes me happy. Happier.

Speaking of happiness, last night, I watched Inside Out (2015) with my flat mates, and oh boy, that movie was emotional (haha.. because it's about emotions.. haha). The premise is that there's a head quarter of emotions, joy, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust being the main emotions of an individual. Everyday, these emotions operate to their best ability to give Riley (the main character) a good moment, a good day, and overall, a good life. Joy tries so hard because in the end, she just wants Riley to be happy. But as people grow up, it's quite inevitable to experience sadness, angst, anger, bitterness, loneliness, and all these other "non-joy" emotions. As Riley experiences, the emotions also learn (or maybe just me) that all emotions, good and bad, must co-exist because that's what makes memory a special one. This movie made me wonder if my Joy has a hard time trying to keep me happy. I find myself to be overall a happy and positive person, but there are times when I sulk in sadness and sorrow too. Nevertheless, if Joy really existed, I want to give thanks because, hey, I think I am easily pleased and therefore happy. So.. thanks Joy! And Sadness. Without you, happiness wouldn't mean so much.. ^__^

+ Alain de Botton is the man. I want to read his books, including The Architecture of Happiness.