Activate Happiness Mode

 　　From any perspective, my colleague Xiaoyu seemed far from happiness.

　　Her husband, a factory worker, was laid off at a young age and has been making ends meet for over ten years by doing odd jobs. It's hard work, and the income is meager. The cost of their child's formula and school fees rests entirely on Xiaoyu's shoulders, as a teacher. And that's not all; Xiaoyu's mother-in-law is notoriously difficult and shrewish, bossing her around at home. Instead of showing gratitude or pity to Xiaoyu, the breadwinner, she treats her like a servant.

　　Everyone thinks Xiaoyu lives in misery, her heart must be filled with bitterness and desolation, utterly devoid of happiness. Yet, Xiaoyu doesn't shed a tear; on the contrary, she sings loudly and smiles brightly every day. Everyone is puzzled—how can she be so happy with so many worries? Xiaoyu smiles gently and replies, "It's because I keep my troubles out of my heart and consciously activate happiness mode."

　　Xiaoyu said that whenever her mother-in-law loudly berated her, she would always hide in her room, adjust her expression in front of the mirror, and tell herself, "The fault isn't mine; I can't let this affect my happy mood." This beneficial self-suggestion shielded her from grievances, tears, anger, and unhappiness, and gradually, her mood improved.

　　Indeed, Xiaoyu's family was struggling financially, barely making ends meet. But as soon as she stepped into the school gates, Xiaoyu would switch to happiness mode. When colleagues complained about how hard and tiring the work was, she would always say, "Teaching is a tedious and arduous job, but it's stable with a fixed income. Compared to laid-off workers, it's infinitely better. We should be content and cherish what we have." Xiaoyu greeted all her colleagues with smiles and treated all the children with kindness and gentleness. Happiness and joy bloomed on her face like fragrant flowers.

　　Everyone suddenly understood. It turned out that Xiaoyu's happiness wasn't because she had no worries, but because she was good at regulating her emotions, not magnifying the unpleasant things in life, not letting bad emotions run rampant, and filling her heart with contentment and gratitude, her heart enveloped in the warmth of happiness. Activating happiness mode is a rational attitude towards life, a detached and optimistic understanding of life, and a wise and composed way to face setbacks. When feeling frustrated and lost, try activating happiness mode like Xiaoyu did. Think about what you have, and you'll discover that even your ordinary life has its beautiful moments.

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