It was November 2009; I was a fashion blogger for about half a year, when I was shaken by the news, Daul Kim, the Korean international model that I admire committed suicide. I asked plenty of “Whys”. How could a beautiful, successful model at the prime of life decide to turn her back from fame, glamour and richness to say “hi” to forever?
Digging through her blog after her death, I read several articles she´s written that gave hint of her unhappiness. Those short blog posts that start with “Say hi…” weren´t just about fashion and art, they also included subtle cries for help, but nobody heard. Not until she was found dead, hanging in her apartment.
Her death made a strong impact on me. I started to evaluate my life and all the things that I had. Most of the time I complained, I thought that if I´ve more, I´d be happier. I rarely appreciated what I had. But on that day, after Kim´s death, I figured that despite my discontent, I had no reason to throw away a great life.
Kim did not let go without a fight. She was searching for ways to give meaning to her unhappiness and find explanations of what life is really supposed to be. She shared the unhelpful answers she found at her blog with a conclusion, “It´s still lonely, then and now…”
Just what is the secret to happiness?
The key to happiness is to appreciate what you have.
This answer is not new. We knew this all along and it sounds so simple. But if it´s really simple, why so many people are unhappy?
We think that if I´m just prettier, if I´ve got a great figure, if I´m thinner, if I´ve bigger boobs and if my teeth are straighter, I would be happy.
We think that if I´ve just a great job with bigger salary, I can buy more shoes, I can get lots of Choos and louboutins, and I can carry a Versace handbag, I would be a happy fashionista.
We think that if we find Mr. Right, we´ll have a great marriage and we´ll live happily ever after.
If only we can …
Yet, contrary to what we think, we may have all the great things and our dream job, but if we can´t appreciate what we have, and be content, we will never be happy.
What are the things worth appreciating?
Good things aren´t all about material things. While money has a way to buy you happiness if only you know where to shop, money can´t buy everything.
Think of the good friends that you have those who stick through thick and thin, Daul Kim was dying to find them, be thankful you had.
Give thanks to your good health, it´s wealth. Be thankful of your job, it provides you shelter, food and it allows you to pamper yourself once in a while.
Think of your family and loved ones, they may not always say it, but they have lots of love for you.
Appreciate what you have, be content, and you´re on your way to a happier life.
