Happiness is Customized

　　These past few days, I've had this inexplicable feeling of loss, a nameless unease creeping into my heart from time to time.

　　After lunch, I walked out of the house, feeling depressed, aimlessly strolling along the road... My mind was a jumble, constantly thinking about something, yet not really knowing what I was thinking about.

　　Suddenly, the sound of music interrupted my reverie. Looking towards the sound, I saw a large group of people gathered in a circle, watching something, with bursts of applause and cheers. Disoriented, I was drawn by the sounds.

　　Upon closer inspection, I saw several people sitting around a round table. Some were playing the suona, some the erhu, some the sheng, some the electronic keyboard, and two people were singing. I watched, listened, and quietly appreciated their performance. Suddenly, I noticed that each of them was wearing sunglasses, and their movements while drinking water seemed somewhat awkward. Looking closer, my heart trembled—they were all blind. I studied their faces more closely; each of them smiled brightly, naturally, and happily.

　　Watching their performance, my heart tightened and then relaxed. On their faces, I slowly began to understand the meaning of happiness. For these blind people, their lives must have had unhappiness, but their faces displayed immense happiness. Compared to them, I have a healthy body, a relatively stable job, and an income sufficient to support my family. However, what I lack is their sense of happiness. Before them, I suddenly felt incredibly small and narrow-minded. What reason did I have to be troubled? What right did I have to complain? I should be happy, so why couldn't I feel it? Why should I create my own troubles, struggling in my stubbornness? Through self-reproach and introspection, my troubles slowly subsided, and my mood gradually improved. As darkness slowly fell, I walked home. For the first time, I noticed how bright the streetlights were, how beautiful the flashing neon lights were, how hurried the passing cars quickened their pace of life, and how leisurely people strolled, enjoying the civility and harmony of society. The night view of this small town was so enchanting, and life here was so wonderful. My steps felt lighter and stronger.

　　In fact, everyone has their own happiness. Approach life with an open mind, define your own happiness with your own understanding, and you will find that you are a very happy person.

　　Happiness needs to be defined.