Chasing Happiness: What I Found When I Stopped Running

We’re all chasing something, some chase success, others chase love, recognition, money. But for most of us, whether we realize it or not, we’re chasing happiness. We picture it like a finish line, something we’ll finally touch once life gets easier, once we get that job, that relationship, that approval.

I used to run after it too. Full speed. Desperate for that feeling of joy to last longer than a moment.

And for a while, I gave up on the idea completely. I started to believe happiness was just a fleeting emotion. A spark that comes and goes... so I stopped chasing it altogether. I told myself it wasn’t worth it. Maybe you’ve been there too, that moment when the highs don’t last and you wonder if something’s wrong with you for not being “happy enough.”

But then something shifted, I started learning that happiness doesn’t always show up in fireworks. Sometimes, it’s hidden in ordinary moments: A breath of fresh air, a peaceful prayer, a cup of coffee without rushing, a walk with someone I love, or even laughter from my little ones.

It turns out, happiness isn’t the goal. It’s the result.

A state of well-being, a byproduct of what we choose to do every single day. This is when I decided to change my daily habits. Not overnight, not perfectly, but intentionally.

I chose to prioritize faith by changing small actions every single day, because deep down I know I am being watched, and I will be judged by my actions. I started asking myself questions like am I prioritizing my health? my family? Am I giving my work my best efforts? Am I using the gifts that I a am blessed with? Am I working towards my goals? My purpose?

Life doesn’t suddenly get easy when you choose to live with intention. In fact, sometimes it gets harder. The world won’t always understand your discipline, people may not see the growth you’re working so hard for, but I’ve come to believe this: Pain is not punishment, it is proof that you are alive.

I think deeply about everything, even the small things, and no, my brain isn’t fried from it, it’s freer. I’ve reached a level of self-awareness that allows me to pause, reflect, and feel. That alone brings a sense of contentment I never had before.

So, if you're chasing happiness, ask yourself these questions: What if happiness is around you but you just need to look closer? what if happiness is something you create, not find? Stop chasing and start choosing. Choose to build your happiness one brick at a time, because it is your choice how you are going to live from now on.