What started out as rudimentary pastimes have evolved into key components of
who I am. Just like how a chicken begins its life as a fertilized cell surrounded by
lifeless yolk, vulnerable to environmental dangers, my initial definition of happiness
started as something delicate that could easily be influenced by external factors.
Over time, with warmth and care, these cells multiply and begin to take shape,
eventually developing into a recognizable chick, until it reaches a stage where it is
able to break free from the shell. During this difficult struggle, it gradually develops
and gains the strength it needs to successfully face the world. In the same way,
my own definition of happiness, with much nurturing, has developed and matured,
enabling me to express it with brute force.
Happiness: the warm bright rays of sunlight gleaming through the clouds.
Cheerful chuckles and loud laughter filling up the ambiance. Endless fields of
scented and brightly colored flowers: marigolds, sunflowers, tulips. The strong yet
natural fragrance tickling my nose. The subtle touch of Mother Nature brushing
against my skin, her beauty glimmering and radiating. The melodic chirps of birds
and the soft whisper of fresh air blessing my ears. The soft buzz of the hungry
and excited bumble bees, the fearless and free fluttering of the butterflies, and
the rough rustling of leaves and branches dancing rhythmically to the beat of the
wind. The blooming emergence of new life.
Happiness: a Mexican taco stand on the streets of Guadalajara. The warm, delicious
smell of freshly baked taco shells combined with the tender, juicy slices of
seasoned meat, and the full scoop of mashed avocados. The satisfying crunch as
I eagerly open my mouth and take a bite. An eruption of different flavors dancing
inside my mouth. The splashes of red tomato juice, the spicy pricks of the
jalapenos, the soft flow of the guacamole, the tender steps of the mouthwatering
meat slices. Happiness: the tight emotional and physical bonding of family and
friends. Tender and warm feelings being generated by affectionate hugs. Fond and
familiar conversations about trust, family, and self. Genuine laughter, sincere care,
honest words spelling out the letters: L, O, V, E. Humorous and entertaining
weekends with an endless capacity for adventure, building new memories, and
traditions. Comical conversations emerging from the dining table. Solicitous and
luminous ‘good nights’ at the end of the day followed by beaming ‘good mornings’
as the new day begins.
Happiness: my ideas and childhood dreams transforming into reality with the use
of comprehensive imagery, elaborate details, and lucid narrative commentary.
The decorative, meticulous details enthralling every scene and character with a
conspicuous yet elaborate portraits, immersed in the fascinated world of language
arts. It is my escape route; my private nook where I can battle out my thoughts,
feelings, and opinions, and use my strong inner voice without fear of contradiction
or ridicule.
My definitions of happiness coexist in all these wonderful worlds and feeds on the
stimulation from different environments to unlock new wonders and hidden
treasures. Over time, this led to the creation of a new definition. I have drawn my
attention to various world crises currently threatening the well being of our society:
climate change, world hunger, domestic violence, and rights to equal education.
Combatting these issues and contributing to society has not only become my
passion, but my true definition of happiness. Finding my voice, finding my purpose
in society, and being able to express my opinions. Liberating myself from
paradigms, harmful and negative cycles, societal norms, and allowing myself to
wholeheartedly love and support myself by standing up for the ideas that I believe
in. Like the chick breaking free from the confines of the shell which helped to
nurture it at its foundation, activism has become my new definition of happiness.
Thank you.