It was a cold, brisk morning when I left Valparaíso, Chile, on a double-decker bus earlier this week. It was only a few minutes past 8 am but the streets were already busy with people heading to work.

Caught in a traffic jam, I was looking down on the street vendors getting ready for their day to start, unfolding carpets and old sheets to display the things they were selling, from second-hand clothing and old teddy bears to small kitchen appliances, like electric kettles and toasters.

It made me think whether they come to the same street every day? Is there a certain agreement they have among each other as to where to place their shops? Who do they sell all these products to? Can they sell anything at all? And, are they happy?

I guess it is so easy for us to make judgements about other people and whether they are living a happy life, based on the work they do or how they make their living. But who are we to judge?

It is a privilege to consider such questions, I find myself thinking sometimes, as it often means that we have a choice to choose our own path. If not that, then we at least are aware of the endless opportunities out there.

But what if happiness simply means to live in the present moment and to go about your day, not having to worry about the very pursuit of happiness? What if happiness simply equals being grateful for the life that we are living right now, notwithstanding our struggles?

Kindly,

Neva.