We often believe happiness comes from people, events or things outside us. But the truth is, these experiences are neutral until we assign meaning to them. It's our mind that creates the story, someone cares for me is joy, someone ignored me is pain.
The event itself has no built-in meaning, and then we ride the emotional highs and lows that follow.
The paradox is we can never really know what another person is thinking or feeling, yet we create assumptions and as if they are true. This is how judgement, conflict and disappointment are born.
But then if we take away this meaning-making would life feel empty?
If there is no emotional rollercoaster- no big highs and lows-what remains?
That question leads us to fulfillment. Fulfillment isn't about chasing happiness because happiness is temporary. One moment it's here, the next it fades. True peace is different- it's steady, internal and untouched by external chaos.
When we realise that outside world has no real power over how we feel inside, the entire game changes.
That doesnt mean life becomes dull. It means you stop giving power to things you can't control. You move through life calm, clear, and committed to your vision, without being shaken by outcomes. This inner calm is richer than happiness because happiness depends on conditions, while peace is unconditional.