The Certainty of Happiness

                    The only certainty in our life is the act of birth and the guarantee of death, everything else in between is uncertain, it is our job to fill these spots with what we desire. It is our job to live a life worth living, feeling emotions worth sharing, and making decisions worth exploring. Many humans often go through life yearning for happiness, wasting their life away hoping they run into it. It is often uncertain to them that it is essential for us to create our own happiness. This is due to the idea that internal happiness is our most permanent commitment. This photograph is centered on two children playing soccer even when surrounded by poverty and war. The message being portrayed is that even during times of hardships, children have a tendency to create happiness within themselves.

It is uncertain what circumstances we might be put under, but if we have hope in our hearts, we are able to face them all. The focal point of this photograph lies on a man holding a gun in his hand. The man portrays possession of wealth and security, this is indicated by the watch upon his wrist and the cleanliness of his shoes. This rifle is often used to strike fear upon others while also symbolizing signs of war and dictatorship. The mans right leg is firmly placed on the higher end of the cement, asserting ideas of power and domination. Contrasting with the man’s elegance, the background displays broken buildings and trash on the streets. Easily juxtaposing the impeccable condition of the streets and buildings on the opposing side, near the man. This indicates the class differences and their heights within a society. Another striking detail is the broken slipper on the street, it is symbolizing abandonment as it lies in the middle of nowhere. Being left alone can lead to despair and unhappiness, but feeling this despair and unhappiness does not lead to being secure. Poverty is the main theme displayed by these signs as there is inadequate amounts of filth lying around the streets. These dusty buildings and filthy streets set up a mood of depression and longing.

The one certainty to adopt throughout challenges is that, life runs not according to our hardships, but rather the mindset we face them with. The background of this photograph consists of the two boys playing soccer with a dusty old net while one runs of after the ball. The boy holds an expression of joy and absolute bliss, much like sacred prayer for which there are no words. This form of joy is eternal and contagious for the people who are fortunate enough to witness it. This boy is oblivious towards his circumstances, as if he does not see the world crumbling around him. His strength lifts up the broken walls and in that moment the only thing he feels, the only thing he is able to become is ecstatic. Maybe somewhere in his heart he is aware of the danger that lies upon him, aware of the poorly established lifestyle he has inherited. Yet this boy dismisses feelings of pity and instead forces light to brighten up his dark path. Pity is a funny thing you see, you either stray from it’s grasp or it completely engulfs you, either way the choice is ultimately ours. The boy makes a wise choice, he chooses to not wait around for someone to come rescue him in his time of need, his happiness is self-dependent. Therefore, he has control over how long it will last as he did not need anyone else to offer it to him.

If you are going to be certain of one thing, make it be the idea of inspiring others through the strength you display, especially when you lack it the most. Colours have a powerful way of setting the mood of the given scenario. The colours in this photograph are overpowered by dull shades, such as brown ,green, and black. These shades represent a sense of melancholy, easily associating with the idea of death. Death of emotions, hopes and dreams are the worst form of death, as it is a type of pain we endure internally. Although in this photo the only exception to this solemn theme is the boy, as he is dressed in a bright red shirt. Even turmoil cannot wipe away the innocence that sparks and radiates within him. His bright red shirt matches the color of poppies that grew after rough times. He is symbolizing light and hope, he is our heart in human form. He is light that shines among others, that inspires and helps others recognize it as well.

There is no certainty of an easy lifestyle, but it is certain that in order to life a worth living, we must create pleasure within ourselves. We must mend ourselves and nourish our souls with optimistic thoughts, even when surrounded by hopelessness. If both our hands are chained to the ground, it is up to us to pray from our hearts. Happiness is an act that is best experienced when created rather than found. Happiness that is found is often temporary and we do not hold the power to make it stay. If we wait around for it we might be waiting forever. Forever is a fearful risk that is not worth taking. Finding happiness during hard times is a difficult task, but sometimes that is all we are able to do.