How would you define a happy person? Most of the research in the field of psychology defines a happy person as someone who experiences frequent positive emotions, such as joy, interest, pride, and sometimes infrequent (though not absent) negative emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, and anger. Happiness has also been said to relate to life satisfaction, appreciation of life, moments of pleasure, but overall it has to do with the positive experience of emotions. The ancient Greeks defined happiness as: “Happiness is the joy that we feel when we’re striving after our potential.”
Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.
Jim Rohn
Happiness has traditionally been considered difficult to find or a fading thing. To some, even trying to achieve it is an exercise in futility.
It has been said that: “Happiness is, as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”
Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.
Dalai Lama
The power is within us.
The foundations for Happiness are good Relationships, good Health, and Abundance (fulfillment, contentment, sense of accomplishment, sense of purpose).
Happiness comes from choosing to be happy with whatever you do, strengthening your closest relationships and taking care of yourself physically, financially and emotionally.
Many might say that money is a big part of the equation. But intrigued with discovering the secrets to a meaningful and happy life, a group of Harvard researchers launched a study in 1938. Then, they followed 268 male Harvard undergraduates – for 75 years.
The unique Harvard Grant Study collected data on the men’s lives through surveys and interviews. They looked at all aspects, including relationships, politics, and religion, coping strategies and alcohol use. What they found may surprise you.
Perhaps one of the biggest revelations was that love really does matter when it comes to living a fulfilled life.
Relationships are the only things that matter in life. You could have a successful career, money and good physical health, but without supportive, loving relationships, you’d be unhappy. The ability to take in love is a great human skill. Even our earliest relationships are important to long-term happiness, especially the mother-child relationship. At the end of the day we are social creatures, from our cradle to our grave.
The 3-pillars mentioned above i.e. Relationships, Abundance & Health are closely interconnected or intertwined. At different times in our lives, we can be in a vicious-cycle or virtuous-cycle depending on where we are in our Happiness Journey!.
Unhealthy or toxic Relationships can adversely impact you Health and impede your success and be a roadblock to Abundance (i.e. contentment, sense of achievement & purpose). The opposite is also true, poor physical or emotional health such as chronic illness or being stressed, anxious & depressed can definitely impact your Relationships and Abundance. Also, feeling of discontent, feeling defeated, self-doubt, being “lost” and lacking a sense of purpose can have a negative impact on your Relationships and Health. This leads to a vicious-cycle or unhappiness spiral.
On the other hand, if you strengthen your Relationships, with yourself and others, your Health and Abundance will increase tremendously. Also, managing your stress, anxiety & depression reduces your risk for chronic illness and/or may help you recover faster. This, in turn, will enhance you Relationships and boost your Abundance & success. This leads to a virtuous-cycle of joy & Happiness.
What keeps us healthy and happy as we go through life?
If you were going to invest now in your future best self, where would you put your time and your energy?
Here are some great ways to create your own happiness:
- Don’t obsess over things you cannot control
- Choose your battles wisely
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise (at least during the week!)
- Have a growth mindset
- Clear the clutter
- Lend a hand
- Believe the best is yet to come
Let nothing stand in your way in creating your own happiness!
Kenrick Vaz 