draft for a reflective essay titled a time I experienced true happiness.
350-400 words
As I sit here reflecting on a time when I experienced true happiness, one memory stands out above all the rest. It was a warm summer day, and I was surrounded by my family and closest friends at a beach bonfire. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the water as we roasted marshmallows and laughed together. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of contentment and joy that I had never experienced before.
The sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the smell of the salty sea air, the taste of the sweet marshmallows – all of these senses seemed to combine to create a perfect moment of happiness. I looked around at the faces of my loved ones, illuminated by the flickering flames of the fire, and felt an immense sense of gratitude for having such wonderful people in my life.
In that moment, I realized that true happiness isn't found in material possessions or external achievements. It comes from within, from the connections we have with the people we love and the experiences we share with them. It's about living in the present and appreciating the little moments that bring us joy.
As the fire crackled and the sky turned from blue to pink to purple, I felt a deep sense of peace wash over me. I knew that these moments wouldn't last forever, but I also knew that they were the ones that truly mattered in the grand scheme of things.
Looking back on that day, I am reminded of the power of simple pleasures and the importance of cherishing the moments that make us feel truly alive. In a world that often seems chaotic and overwhelming, it's these moments of connection and joy that sustain us and give our lives meaning.
I carry that memory with me wherever I go, a beacon of happiness that reminds me of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us every day. In that moment, I experienced true happiness, and I am forever grateful for the gift of that memory.