You Don't Actually Have To Feel Good All The Time - By Shajaa Abdul Rahim

Written By: Shajaa Abdul Rahim

Category: Essay.

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Shajaa Abdul Rahim presents an evocative essay titled "You Don't Actually Have To Feel Good All The Time." Entering the Essay category, Shajaa invites readers to explore the profound intersection of happiness, purpose, and meaning in life. This thought-provoking piece challenges the prevalent notion that happiness should be life's ultimate pursuit, offering a refreshing perspective on the importance of purpose and how we can find balance in our emotional experiences.

About the Work

Shajaa Abdul Rahim's essay delves deeply into the human condition, questioning the widespread belief that happiness is the most important goal. Through thoughtful examination, the work suggests that seeking purpose and meaning might offer a more fulfilling life journey. The essay deftly uses imagery and scenarios to illustrate how the pursuit of happiness, if unchecked, might lead to dissatisfaction. Shajaa's reflective tone encourages readers to consider a broader perspective on emotional well-being and the value of purpose.

You Don't Actually Have To Feel Good All The Time.

Original Submission by Shajaa Abdul Rahim

You Don't Actually Have To Feel Good All The Time

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.”

- Audrey Hepburn

Imagine this scenario -

A person has taken part in a volunteer program at a school to assist differently abled children. They have spent a week volunteering there, which leaves them tired and burnt out. Lying on the bed with a body that craves nothing but rest, they stare at the ceiling and think to themselves, “Ugh, I’ve wasted a whole week. I could have hung out with my friends. I could have had loads of fun. All this program gave me is exhaustion.”

What would this person be chasing that makes them think this experience was a waste of time in comparison to having fun with friends? But what if their greater goal in life had been to be someone who helps the world become a better place? How would they think about the experience in that case?

It is not an uncommon phenomenon that people place happiness at the top of their priority list. If you were to ask 10 people what they want to do in life, at least 3 to 4 of them might say something along the lines of enjoyment, happiness, and pleasure. Some may even go to the extent of directing their lives to revolve around pleasant emotions and experiences. While this is not something inherently precarious, it can very well be highly maladaptive if not dealt with caution.

The argument of this essay is not that happiness is unimportant; it is that happiness, though significant, is not the only measure of a good life. Happiness is not the ultimate destination in the journey of life. Then what is? Perhaps purpose and meaning. But what if the purpose of life is simply to be happy? The answer to that requires that we understand that purpose and pleasure are not interchangeable. They are two different elements of life.

Pleasure is a feeling of enjoyment that’s felt when we engage in any activity that produces a pleasant consequence which might not necessarily be healthy but is appealing to us. This experience of “feeling good” can be obtained in a billion ways, a considerable proportion of them being harmful, risky, and/or maladaptive. On the other hand, purpose is a long-term goal we set for ourselves that guides our behavior and shapes our perception of life events, minor and major. It could be something simple such as aiming to be someone who helps orphans live a better life, or it could be more complex such as dedicating one’s life to a greater purpose beyond the materialistic world. The core difference between the two is the primary pursuit in life that guides the experiences one voluntarily seeks out - pleasant emotions and experiences, or meaning and purpose. In a world where we are constantly surrounded by a million things competing for our attention and racing to make us feel good, pleasure has become like a cheap good that’s available and accessible in abundance, whereas meaning and purpose are exquisite jewels that we have to strive to obtain by defeating all the distraction surrounding us.

One of the very common behaviors we see today, especially among teenagers and young adults, is the increasing intolerance for discomfort and unpleasant emotions and experiences. Ironically, unpleasant experiences and emotions are inevitable elements of the process of living. While it is not the only cause, the belief that life is mainly meant to be enjoyed can be a major contributing factor to this rising intolerance. When an individual is almost constantly trying to make oneself feel “good” or happy, even minor inconveniences can be sources of major distress, because doing so temporarily reduces the pleasant experiences and emotions - the very thing the individual chases. This can, in many but not all cases, lead to desperation. And desperation has a reputation for leading people down the wrong lane. Whereas individuals who have a clear sense of purpose in life are more likely to handle such experiences in a better manner. They are dedicated to and set their focus on their goals, and this helps them recognize and accept negative experiences as a part and parcel of life. This mindset allows them to show patience in the face of struggles and challenges, which further helps them to progress towards long-term goals. Understanding this difference is important because dedicating life to a purpose or goal does not come without struggles and hardships. But these individuals are able to accept that some experiences may not be pleasurable, and that is alright. Whereas individuals who prioritize happiness tend to turn every experience into a source of joy, which is not at all realistic. Hence, from a psychological perspective, it would be safe to say that having purpose in life can be associated with comparatively better mental and emotional well-being.

The point of this essay is not to dismiss the importance of pleasure in favor of purpose. The two do not have to compete. One can have a clear sense of direction in life while also seeking pleasant experiences. It is possible to give both their respective places on our priority lists. The objective of this essay is to encourage introspection, find meaning in our existence and strive towards it, while simultaneously being kind to ourselves.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar serves as a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. This annual event invites participants across categories to share their unique perspectives, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts and thinkers. Through this competition, Hashtag Kalakar continues to support and showcase emerging talents, offering them a stage to express and refine their craft.

We extend our gratitude to Shajaa Abdul Rahim for contributing the insightful essay "You Don't Actually Have To Feel Good All The Time" to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This compelling piece encourages readers to reflect on the balance between happiness and purpose, offering a valuable perspective on life’s priorities. Thank you, Shajaa, for sharing your thoughtful exploration with us.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.