Simple Happiness called Sunshine

There is this famous saying states that people who live in tropical country tend to be happier, friendlier, yet lazier than those who born and grow up in four seasons country. The reason is simple. Tropical country has sunlight for the whole year, whilst most of days in sub tropical country are spent in gloomy cloud since they have only 3 months of full summer.

The next question will be how does sunlight make that huge difference? How does sunlight determine our behaviors and feelings? I shouldn’t be the one who answer the question. Some physicist or other (I don’t even know whether I am right that this profession is the one who knows the answer) can provide explanations.

However, I might be able to give you a clue. I was born and grew up in Indonesia, a country which has only two seasons; dry and rainy season. My hometown is only 10 minutes away from the nearest beach. When I was a kid, Sunday equals to going to the beach. Sunshine is everywhere that I feel I have to avoid it.

In my 3rd year in university, I got chance to be part of exchange student program to Japan. Though Japan is not as cold as Europe, I was lucky since I experienced 4 seasons and saw how trees changed from days to days. They said autumn is the saddest moment of the year. It is gloomy, the cloud is grey, and sunshine starts to move away. Up to today I am sure I didn’t feel that way back then. But I guess it was the matter because it was my first autumn and I didn’t bother for not seeing the sunlight for couple of months. The only thing I remember, when it comes to winter, all I wanted to do (expect making snowball and take some beautiful pics) was staying in my heated dormitory. It all makes senses then when that famous statement saying if people in sub tropical country is less friendly. It is not that they hate another human being, it is just they can’t stand walking and talking outdoor. It’s under 0 degree, come on.

Back to Indonesia, I started working and moved to this busy city called Jakarta. I had to find new house with several limitations. The fact is housing in Jakarta is expensive, especially when it is located in the centre of the city. You have to choose the facilities when you have budget limitation. Since it’s far hotter than Jogja (the city where I spent my college time), housing with AC is a must. Next, what I found is most housing with AC that meet my budget has no window for the room. I repeat, NO WINDOW. What a pity.

I had no choice. I picked that one room and regret it as soon as I woke up to the very first morning. I didn’t feel like waking up or going to the office. I didn’t feel happy. I was wondering why and found out the reasons not long after.

I didn’t see sunshine. I had to turn the light on for the whole day on the weekend when I went nowhere. I need sunlight. I have got to see the sun. Sunshine makes me happy. I envied the boy next door who has window in his room. I wanted to kick him out so I could occupy his room :p

Fortunately, this boy I talked about changed his mind. He had to move soon. YAYYYY I can’t be happier. No need to think, I moved my stuff to his room. This new room is smaller. I also have to share AC with someone next to my room but I don’t mind. Because I can see sunshine every day now.

Life looks a loooooot prettier when sunshine is around! 