Growing Happier Lives
I just finished a book, “Build the Life You Want,” by Harvard professor Arthur Brooks with insights by Oprah Winfrey. Here are useful nuggets you can use to create a happier life. See if any of them surprises you.
3 Basic Pillars
The three basic pillars of happiness are enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose. According to Brooks these “macronutrients” of happiness are scientifically proven by studies and our own life experiences. Case studies and Brooks’ own family are examples of this principle. Some perceptions from Oprah’s own life also illustrate the importance of each one. The book reveals career paths you might have chosen, if one of these areas are out of balance. Whether it’s a job or relationship, you need these three “macronutrients” balanced in life to feel complete joy.
Your Outlook
Another aspect to being happier, (or less un-happy) is having hope. We all have very bad things happen in our lives, even tragic. Your reaction and how you deal with those experiences also factor into your overall happiness. Being grateful for what you already have is a major reason some people seem to have a brighter outlook on life.
Brooks explains it like this. “There’s a word for believing you can make things better without distorting reality; not optimism, but hope.” Again, illustrated with life and death examples and how individuals respond to these events, determines your level of happiness.
Spirituality
Call it what you will, but believing in a higher power other than focusing on yourself makes a difference. Explained as “meditation” or simply connecting on a transcendental level for peace, this is the third area to explore. Within you lies the power to create happiness and a happier life, but you must live in love and service. Several other spiritual writings assert what Brooks and Winfrey explain, ways they’ve been able to reach this level of contentment.
Living in love is the key along with these main factors. Healthy and happy relationships with the people we are close too, help us understand the feeling of joy and contentment. Living in gratitude, makes us appreciate the good and bad times in our lives. Remember, simple joyful experiences are the best kind and keeps us mindful of the love and happiness in our lives.
Think about the last time you were truly happy and joyful. What were you doing?
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