This is an especially good reminder for those of us dealing with moving angst, as we currently are. Happiness is a skill that we need to work on regularly. I REALLY needed this reminder this week.
We can’t all walk around with smiles on our faces, sure, but can we truly BE happy? (I should add, my youngest does walk around with a smile on his face all the time, and it really is quite charming. But perhaps it might not work for all of us). Being happy – being in a place where one finds mental peace and joy, and true enjoyment – this is an art. And, luckily, it IS attainable. Please don’t think I’m calling you a grouch, friends. Not at all, but many of us go through our day-to-day existence, just doing and being and not enjoying. Let me describe for you a few key elements to being truly happy. Once you own this, you can help your kids (and your spouse) own it, too.
Optimism, self-confidence, gratitude, hope, compassion, purpose, empathy—these are all qualities that anyone can own. You just have to learn how. And doing so will change your life. There are five key happiness skills.
1. Savor
Savoring is a quick and easy way to boost optimism and reduce stress and negative emotions. It is the practice of noticing the good stuff around you and taking the extra time to prolong and intensify your enjoyment of the moment, making a pleasurable experience last for as long as possible. You know, like when you eat a piece of good chocolate, letting it slowly melt on your tongue. That is savoring. So whether it's preparing a meal, pausing to admire the sunset, or telling a friend your good news—the idea is to linger, take it in, and enjoy the experience. Eventually it'll become a habit—one you'll never want to break. Regularly savoring events and experiences in your life will lead to your being more optimistic, and more satisfied with your life. Savor past experiences with positive reminiscing; savor the present by practicing mindfulness; savor the future through positive anticipation.
2. Being thankful
The simple act of identifying and then appreciating the things people do for us is a modern-day wonder drug. It fills us with optimism and self-confidence, knowing that others are there for us. It dampens our desires for “more” of everything—and it deepens our relationships with loved ones. And when we express our gratitude to someone, we get kindness and gratitude in return. Positive brings more positive. But keep in mind: you’re not thanking people in order to get the reciprocal response. You’re thanking people to acknowledge their efforts, positive effect, or to pay your respects. Being thankful can be done in person, with letters, or even in a gratitude journal. Being grateful brings a great appreciation to your interactions with others, and perhaps opens your eyes to how your actions affect those around you as well.
3. Aspiration
To aspire is to feel hopeful, have a sense of purpose, be optimistic. Forgot what that feels like? I know, sometimes it can be to busy in the here and now to think ahead. This is focusing on what can be. This is more than just making a New year’s resolution; you are creating a determined path for yourself, giving self-guidance and purpose. Study after study shows that people who have created meaning in their lives are happier and more satisfied with their lives. You too can feel more upbeat about your future and your potential. And who doesn't want that? Genuine optimism is a friend magnet. It also makes your goals seem attainable and your challenges easier to overcome. Bottom line: you'll not only feel more successful, you will be more successful.
A person's level of hope is shown to correlate with how well they perform tasks. Using one's strengths in daily life, studies have found, curbs stress and increases self-esteem and vitality. Another study found that participants who were asked to imagine their future in an optimistic light increased their levels of happiness over the next six months. Believing that your goals are within reach promotes a sense of meaning and purpose in life—a key ingredient of happiness. Remember, goal setting is not just about setting goals, but rather about setting attainable yet challenging goals. You know what you are capable of; be realistic but push yourself. Therein lies the sense of accomplishment.
4. Giving
Everything about giving is a no-brainer. Obviously, when you give someone something, you make them happier. But what you might not know is that the giver—not the receiver—reaps even more benefits. Numerous studies show that being kind not only makes us feel less stressed, isolated and angry, but it makes us feel considerably happier, more connected with the world, and more open to new experiences.
One famous study asked participants to commit five random acts of kindness each week for six weeks. Whereas the control group experienced a reduction in well-being, those who engaged in acts of kindness showed a 42% increase in happiness. We are happier when we spend money on other people than when we spend money on ourselves. And a 2006 study found that simply reflecting on nice things we have done for other people can lift our mood.
Research shows that when we give of ourselves, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly affected. Mortality is delayed. Depression is reduced. Well-being and good fortune are increased. Giving is a good thing.
5. Empathize
Empathy is a powerful word packed with lots of different interpretations. It is the ability to care about others. It is the ability to imagine and understand the thoughts, behaviors or ideas of others, including those different from ourselves.
If you care about the relationships in your life—and who doesn't?—learning the skill of empathy has enormous payoffs. When we empathize with people, we become less judgmental, less frustrated, angry or disappointed—and we develop patience. We also solidify the bonds with those closest to us. And when we really listen to the points of view of others, they're very likely to listen to ours. Strong relationships are essential to happiness, and practicing empathy will go far in nurturing the relationships in your life.
Compassion is a skill that we can all learn. The brain is constantly changing in response to environmental factors, and this extends to compassion for the self. People who have more self-compassion lead healthier, more productive lives than those who are self-critical.
So happiness is not just a state of mind. It is also a skill set that can be learned. Be happy. Help your kids be happy. Model for them what behaviors help you to be happier and