by Mia Windisch-Graetz

And you?
Do you live in one of the world’s most livable countries? Do you live in an apartment in ‘The City of Light’? Are you going to sleep in a bed tonight? Or are you going out with your friends? Is there someone out there who loves you? Did someone ever tell you that he or she loves you? Can you think of someone who made love to you instead of just having had sex with you? Have you ever been drunk and happy? Do you have people around you that you can rely on? Do you have a phone? Do you have someone in mind you could just call right now? Can you express yourself freely without being afraid of getting punished afterwards? Are you living in a country that promotes the freedom of speech and expression? Are you just connected to your home Wi-Fi right now? Or the Wi-Fi of your university, a coffee shop or a restaurant? Did you eat something you liked today? Can you drink water whenever you are thirsty? Can you read this? Did you ever go to school? Is your degree even higher than a Bachelor’s Degree? Can you think of a life event that makes you laugh? Have you ever been on a holiday? Have you already been to the beach? Can you treat yourself by going to a spa? Have you ever been to a hairdresser? Do you like to make yourself pretty? Do you think you are pretty? Do you have several dresses and other pieces of clothing in your wardrobe? Do you have a family? Is your Mum still alive? What about your Dad and your siblings? Are you living in a  peaceful country? Can you leave your house without being scared? Did you already have a job? Do you believe in yourself? Did someone encourage you today? Did someone ever give you a hug? Did someone ever cheered you up? Did someone ever say you were right although you actually weren’t? Did you ever receive a present by a person you like? Did someone smile at you today? If yes, smile back. If not, be the first one to smile. Because if you could answer three questions with yes, you are better off than most people in the world.

What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner. ~Colette

If you want to be happy, be. ~Leo Tolstoy

Happiness is never stopping to think if you are. ~Palmer Sondreal

Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it. ~Jacques Prévert

Don’t put the key to happiness in someone else’s pocket. ~Author Unknown

There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness. ~Lady Blessington

Laughing Women in the Dump of Pondicherry, India 2016

Just remind yourself what you have and not what you don’t have. You will see, that will make you happy. Sustainably happy.