Yes, we can be truly happy

THE EDITOR: The 2018 World Happiness Report released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the UN declared TT the happiest Caribbean country and we were ranked the 38th happiest country in the world. Can citizens of this great nation truly say we are happy?

I am of the firm view that our nation is fraught with people in pain, and I believe this remains the root of many, if not all, of our social and economic problems that we complain about as a people. At the end of the day hurting people hurt people.

Let’s be honest, some older people may look down on the young partygoers but I know firsthand that we “jam still” because we must. Dance and music (minus the excessive drinking) is a wonderful part of our culture that has contributed to our peace of mind. I encourage us to fill our homes with dance and music as opposed to conflict and strife.

In light of this, if we really want to live productive lives in this country, we must not be afraid or ashamed to admit our pain. I know the excruciating pain of losing a parent. I know what it feels like to witness a loved one experience depression to the point of suicide. I’ve had to minister to a friend who called to tell me she just drank Clorox. She later died.

I’ve been ostracised by my peers, including those that I respect. I have been told to my face by a superior at work that I am “unqualified” and I quickly became very familiar with the flood of self-doubt and inadequacy that such a statement was intended to create.

I’ve been sexually harassed, coerced and then victimised by those who I swore to support and even protect. My kindness has often been mistaken for weakness. I’ve been told that I smile too much, perhaps by people who couldn’t find anything in their life to smile about. What a sad and dreadful life that must be.

I have experienced much pain in my relatively short life thus far, yet I have survived every pain. I not only attribute my survival to Almighty God, strong support of family and friends but also to the power of the written word.

An inspirational writer said she is “always happy to share positive words of life, encouragement, information, inspiration and also words that help others to build their faith and to keep their trust in God.” Like her, I believe that great psychological healing can be borne from the written word, whether it is spoken, read, written or sung.

I would like to publicly say that it is so important for us to identify our strengths and to tap into them to help us rise above adversity. In my darkest times, I told myself, “Ceronne, you are gifted with words. Use them.” So if you are suffering in any way, share with a trusted friend or counsellor, listen to and/or read uplifting messages.

If you are so moved, write words of encouragement for yourself in a journal or express yourself through song. Feel free to sing whenever and wherever the spirit leads you. If not through words, uplift yourself using your strengths and talents.

My point is that we must be determined to bring life back into our life. Yes the Government, our employers, the police, the Defence Force, our churches and all those in authority have their role, but we cannot afford to put our happiness into the hands of other people.

I believe that when we become truly happy and content with ourselves, crime will decrease, our creativity will emerge, we will be friendlier, more confident, more disciplined, productive and tolerant and we will see our nation develop before our very eyes.

CERONNE
BAYLEY, Chaguanas