BSA-1

School of Thought that Helps You in Achieving Happiness

Stoicism is the school of thought I have chosen which helps me attain happiness. Stoicism holds

that the path to an enlightened, happy life is to nurture an excellent mental state that the Stoics

associated with morality, reason and a relaxed attitude towards external events. It argues that virtue is

happiness and decision should be based on behavior rather than words. We don’t have control and can’t

depend on external events but only ourselves and our responses to those events.

By doing so, stoics practice positivity which is positive thought according to Epictetus. It allows

them seeing the world more clearly in a positive light. The little things are not underestimated and

neglected as small things defines larger and more important part in life. Instead labelling happiness on

large aspirations and dreams, they practice their happiness on their small accomplishments and deeds. I

personally am happy and contented to attain little things within my effort and my best that are oriented

to my main goals in life for it feels like those little achievements I reached brings me closer to a certain

vision of mine that I am willing to get one step at a time. It gives me contentment and happiness that I

will at last attain those visions one day. I make mistakes or struggle to do something at times but it has

never been an excuse for me to discourage and stop myself from pursuing what I want and what I love

for example are choosing my career and the people I like to be with. We must accept loss for us to grow

or improve our character and to avoid doing again what we did wrong.

With regards to companionship, I tend to favor those friends who can be the cause of my

positivity such as those who embrace, support and motivate me I everything I do rather than be the
cause of my failure and sadness. Those mates who can lead me to a good action and decision instead of

cruel things that I will regret in the future. Now, I do things in a rational manner while making decisions

in life. Making a fuss for me is not useful for fixing problems and will only worsen the situation.

To sum it all, Stoics are simple in their own way especially in what they think. They don’t tag

happiness with greater achievements but in just small things and triumphs bring them joy and

inspiration to achieve what they want and that is achieving happiness for me. Achieving happiness for

me is being with everyone I love and have small things that can help me achieve what I truly is seeking.

Happiness for me is just having someone who can embrace all of me, talking to them, and be with them

through ups and downs.