“A journey to happiness” – that’s the title of the current show by Biyon Kattilathu, who performed here in the Principality last week.
The tickets were a gift from my dear friend Janine – thank you from the heart 🤍

With warmth, humor and depth, Biyon speaks about happiness in a way that feels both familiar and grounding.
He reminds us that happiness is not something we find out there – but something that lives within us.
And that, in the end, it’s us being responsible for how happy we feel.

Happiness is a topic that has accompanied me since my childhood.
And over the years, I’ve written many thoughts and reflections about it.
One text in particular came back to me recently – written years ago, yet still very present today.

For a long time, I believed that my main purpose in life was simple: to be happy.
I was fascinated by the idea of life, freedom and the pursuit of happiness.
And at the same time, I always knew that I am responsible for my own happiness.

Being happy.
Everything flowing.
Feeling at ease.
Sunlight, love, freedom.
A sunset.
A rainbow.
The smell of summer rain.
People who truly wish us well.

Who wouldn’t want that?

I often consider myself a lucky person – despite, or maybe because of, the challenges I’ve faced.
But is that luck something I earned?
Or have I simply been gifted those moments of grace along the way?

Perhaps, I walked through life with open eyes and an open heart – making choices that turned out to be right for me.

Can we actually strive for happiness?
Or does that implicate we’ll only be happy once we’ve reached a certain goal, relationship or dream?

Is happiness something we can influence – or is it coincidence, fate, a twist of destiny?

Today, I believe happiness is not a permanent state.
It’s a moment.
A glimpse.
A gift.

Something we cannot plan or control – unlike goals or visions.
It appears, and it fades again.

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
— Marcus Aurelius

I consider myself a happy person. Perhaps because I’ve learned to notice and embrace the small and big moments of happiness.
To receive them with gratitude.
Also, to carry them in my heart.

And because, when life feels tough, I can often return to those happy memories.

Even if happiness itself can’t be planned, our attitude can.

By acknowledging what’s already there.
By lowering our expectations – of ourselves, of others, of life.
By appreciating the present moment.

And: by choosing contentment.

Contentment can be practiced.
By recognizing the small gifts of everyday life:
a sunset
an honest conversation
a flower in the snow
an unexpected compliment
a smile

Isn’t a content person, after all, a happy one?

Perhaps this is the true meaning of the pursuit of happiness.

Happiness is not about having the best of everything,
but about making the best of everything.

Maybe happiness is less a destination we need to reach,
and more a place we gently return to.

A remembrance.
A pause.
A quiet moment of: this is enough – right now.

So, what does happiness mean to you today?