Gratefulness equals happiness

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 21 July 2017, 12:00AM

Being grateful and happiness go together.

In fact, when you are grateful for whatever you have, no matter what, you will always find happiness. But when you always want more, you are bound to stress when you can’t achieve your goals.

That’s the opinion of Itagia Samuelu from the village of Maninoa Siumu.

“Stay happy every day,” he said. “Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect, it means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections and keep on working.”

Aged 70, Itagia believes that happiness in a family is a choice. 

The man caught up with the Village Voice yesterday, and yes he was all smiles.

“Happiness is something that always comes from within so if we’re happy my children will act the same,” he tells Village Voice.

“Let’s be clear, money cannot buy happiness.  You can have all the money and power in the world but it cannot buy you happiness and it certainly can’t buy you love. 

“My children and I make do with what we have; the only thing that  matters is happiness. 

“If we only have tea and taro for the day we’re grateful. At least we get to eat.” 

The father resides with his wife and kids at Vaiusu but he’s originally from Maninoa Siumu. 

“I’m on my way to visit my family and our plantation at Maninoa,” he said. “I really miss the peaceful life we had there. But we cannot turn back time.” 

The father went on to say that in his family - ‘everyone is responsible and everyone counts.’

“Very simple, from there you begin to enjoy and see healthier days together, and your family will stay together. 

“There are challenges along the way; sometimes the money to meet our daily needs is not enough. But we never give up. 

 “Family is all about teamwork. Right now we have kids overseas and they are helping us out. 

He went on to say that family bonds are tied with love.

“Yes, life begins in family.” he said.

“If you show your children the right path for them to survive the future...show them true love, attention, discipline and other positive attitudes.”

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 21 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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