The Pursuit of Happiness …

In Congress, July 4, 1776…

The Declaration of Independence for United States of America included this statement in its’ opening paragraphs …

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”.

Current Research (2021) …

The pursuit of Happiness is not very effective. We can’t chase and ‘catch’ it. But we can work towards its construction, or intentional development.  It IS possible, and we have the power to do so.

It’s worth the effort to develop happiness?  Yes.  Scripture tells us …

“A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22).

Happiness offers joy, contentment, love, and enhanced confidence and self-esteem. Now we also know, and can measure, the benefits of Happiness to our physical and mental health, our immune systems and our energy levels get a big boost too.

In her book “the how of happiness”, Sonja Lyubomirsky tells us that happiness levels can be measured with 50% owing to genetically determined ‘set points’, 10% stems from our circumstances (beauty, health, wealth, relationship status or other environmental factors), and 40% is due to intentional (deliberate) activity. 

Do you wonder what kinds of DIY activities build happiness? We can find insight from the latest research on the subject.

The happiest people seem to share certain thinking and behavioral patterns:

• they spend a lot of time enjoying and supporting relationships with family and friends.
• They express gratitude for all that the have — and they do so easily, and often.
• They are generous and quick to lend a helping hand to others
• They practice optimism when pondering their futures.
• They focus on life in the present moment – and the savor life’s pleasures
• They get physical with weekly or even daily exercise
• They have and hold commitment to long-term goals –- things larger than their routine daily concerns.
• They experience and see their share of emotional, physical, financial stressors – but that’s not ALL that they see. They consciously look for, and recognize the ‘good stuff’ in their lives which often co-exists side-by-side with the sad, mad, bad stuff we all face as well.

Taking the time and effort to increase our own happiness is an exercise in generosity — not a selfish practice.  Human emotions are contagious. We unconsciously share with those around us. When we increase our own levels of happiness – we affect others as well.  

It’s been said that Money can’t buy you happiness.  Well, actually it can gain a little satisfaction – for a very short period of time. Circumstances really do have only a short-term, limited influence on happiness. We want to build up long-lasting satisfaction.

So, How can we ‘practice optimism’ when we don’t feel optimistic? How can we stay focused on the ‘good stuff’ when we can’t just wear blinders to the ‘not-so-good’? Is there really some way to direct our feet to the sunny side of the street ?  

Contentment does not lie in pursuit of happiness – or in the luck of the draw. Happiness can be developed in our deliberate daily activities.  

We’ll explore these with practical steps that we can all get better at taking as we develop a healthy 40% improvement for ourselves. Stay with me.

Blessings, Love and Laughter to you,

Margaret