Happiness is hard to define – but we know it when we see it. Or, at least we think we do.

Several years back, The World Health Organization predicted that by the year 2020 Depression would affect 30% of all adults – in the entire world.  That’s a huge number.  Are we there yet?

Each of us is unique. We face things differently.  Some are eternal optimists – who see (or at least look for) silver linings behind dark clouds.  Others seem talented in turning everything into a crisis. And some (lacking self-esteem) depend on others to set their emotional temperature. 

Is there a real secret to happiness?                                                                                           

We know a bit about what does not work: 

Wealth and Beauty, by objective measures, will not make you happier. It is interesting that joy-filled people are judged to be more attractive by others. Living richly does not depend solely on the amount of money or possessions we have.

Possessions (things) don’t bring happiness and, in fact, have been shown to be predictors of unhappiness.  Frank Lloyd Wright once observed “… Many wealthy people are little more than the janitors of their possessions.”  He achieved fame for architecture – and it seems he had an interest in ‘building’ happiness too.

Circumstances don’t affect long-lasting changes in happiness or satisfaction. We adapt.  If we enjoy an increase — we get used to higher income, or compare ourselves to others and want more just to keep up. A constant quest for rising goals and social comparison are joy-killers. We may be running faster – but we often seem to end up in the same place. We don’t have to stay on that particular treadmill.

Much has been made of genetic influence. But we are not pre-destined to be miserable.  In fact, Our Lord said we are to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  (Philippians 4:4).

We can rise above our genetic set point for happiness, in the same way that we can rise above our set points for weight and other factors.  Our genes don’t dictate our experience and behaviors.   

Having goals is strongly linked with happiness and satisfaction in life. Happy people don’t just sit basking in their contentment, and they don’t try ‘chasing’ feelings. Instead, they make things happen.

Real, and long-lasting happiness is within our reach – in spite of our genetics or circumstances.  It’s available in the 40% of life potential that only YOU have the power to apply – which is found in what you do, what you think, and in the goals you set every day. 

Happiness requires action.  Choosing that action, and putting it into practice, takes commitment and hard work.  It’s an investment in your own well-being. You are worth the investment!  

Here are twelve tried and true suggestions that really will make a positive difference in your life and happiness levels. They aren’t new – but the research that documents their power is new and compelling.  

Practice Gratitude

Cultivate Optimism

Stop Overthinking

Avoid Comparisons

Make Social Connections

Nurture Relationships

Develop Coping Skills for Stress, and Trauma

Forgive

Live in the moment

Commit to your Goals

Practice Your FAITH

Get Physical: Tend to your Body

You may think these things are just over-simplified clichés. Not true.  These are power tools.  We’ll examine their worth and prove their power together.

You might be thinking that putting these suggestions to work in your day-to-day life is much easier said than done. You’re right – but we have several hands-on practical strategies for each one that will show just how to do it. 

You won’t need to tackle everything on this list – only those that seem to fit your personal needs best. We’ll be checking out the details on how to actually find the strategies that will work for you and put them into practice. Stay tuned.

Blessings, Love, and Laughter to you

Margaret