Mindful happiness: 3 stars share how they achieve it

MINDFUL happiness does not have to be tough to navigate as it is a basic human ability.

Experiencing positive and negative moods are attributes of being mindful and of course, a positive mindset is needed to improve our health and quality of life.

So how do we strike a balance between the two?

Being deliberately fully attentive to what you are experiencing or doing at that moment could be key.

In understanding the art behind taking control of our emotions and conscious well-being, The Vibes talks to some of Malaysia’s foremost personalities known to evoke a sense of elation through their work.

Datuk Zainal Abidin

“Happiness to me is all about control. Whether it would be finances, words, relationship, faith and moral values. Conscious control of the points mentioned of course depends on discipline.

“Normally I would tell the truth even if it hurts – it’s the best remedy. Otherwise sooner or later, you would be facing bigger problems.

“Happiness also begins at home. The anchor of my well-being is also family – specifically the relationship I have with my wife. We do not prolong our quarrels; we talk it over to manage understanding. It is all about care despite the circumstances you find yourself in.

“Quite frankly, it’s tough for me to specify the last time I was happy. It’s only because I’m almost happy everyday – life is truly filled with happiness.

Anis Nabilah

“Happiness is one of the most important things to achieve in life – everyone works hard to find it through work, love etc.

“To me being happy is to be surrounded by the people I love, and care about – knowing that they are safe and well. Being able to do what I love every day also grants me happiness – as well as having the health and capabilities to achieve my goals.

“How I negotiate between what I want and deserve is by showing what I am worth, and that is through my work. That is the only way to prove merit.

“Some people may think that it is hard to mix passion with work, but I am fortunate enough to be living it.

“Of course, there are challenges but just like in any other setting – you find the best way to overcome it. Mine would be time, I do not have much of it to be spending it with the people I love. On my off days, I would try to put work aside.

“For me it is simple, you must stop treating your work as work. Ask yourself why you love doing it in the first place? What are you hoping to achieve? Once these questions are answered, only then you will be able to find ways to rise above the challenges.

Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid (Lat)

“We’re looking at this too intensely.

“Happiness is a personal affair, if I were to look back at the memories, it’s hard for me to pin down exactly when. There were a lot of things that made me laugh reminiscing my childhood days.

“You can be happy every day – from when you start your day, to when you call it a night – if you put your mind to it. There will always be people that make you happy; you can also make yourself happy.

“That is the beauty of creating memories, you must put in the effort – and in the process, say to each other are good things and that brings about happiness.

“When you start to be mindful of who you surround yourself with, you are able to be more content with life." – The Vibes, March 28, 2021