4 Ways to Be Happier

By Pam Blair

When I read that Oprah Winfrey has co-authored a book titled Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier, I was intrigued that happiness is considered a science, and it surprised me to learn how much the subject is researched and studied. The co-author of Oprah’s new book is Arthur C. Brooks, a professor at Harvard where he teaches courses on happiness and leadership. He describes himself as “a professor of happiness” in a TED talk that has been viewed more than 31,000 times on YouTube.

We all strive to be happier, and everyone has their own definition of what it means to be happy, which can change at a moment’s notice. Advertisements on the television, for example, can assure us that whatever we don’t have is exactly what we need to be happy, and if we just buy this or that thing, we will be happier. Seeing a neighbor’s new car might make us feel like we also need something shiny and new, but will it make us satisfied?

Professor Brooks says that satisfaction — and thus happiness — does not come from what the world is telling you to chase. Instead, he asserts that happiness comes from four things: faith, family, friends, and work. These things may have different meanings for all of us, and what follows are my thoughts on each one:

1. Faith. Having faith in God and His plan, with the assurance that He is working in every situation for his glory. Faith is also having a sense of wonder at the grandeur of the universe. Take a walk outside and let nature inspire you. Gaze at the stars in the night sky and find harmony in the vast world around us.

2. Family. These are the people you call in times of need, and there is nothing like having a close, loving relationship with your spouse, partner, siblings, and other relatives who have your back. Friends can be like family, such as my forever friend, Janet. Family members give mutual support, encouragement, and unconditional love through shared experiences and create a sense of belonging.

3. Friends. Choose your tribe. Avoid negative or toxic people and seek meaningful relationships that are mutually supportive and add quality to your life. I once had a friend who said I was the perfect friend in every way except that I didn’t play golf. We can’t be all things to all people. Your tribe may change as you grow and that means sometimes people come and go from your life, but that’s okay.

4.

Work.

Find meaningful work that serves other people well, whether it’s being a stay-at-home mom or holding down a regular job. It doesn’t matter if you are a garbage collector or the manager of a company; it’s the contribution you make that has a positive influence on the lives of others. I am always uplifted to see someone who enjoys doing their job, whether it’s a server in a restaurant, a store clerk, or the plumber. Their enthusiasm lingers and inspires me. There are many ways to find happiness, sometimes as simple as filling a bird feeder or reading a good book that strikes a chord with you. If we take notice of the simple pleasures, the moment to be happy has already arrived.

Pam Blair is a former medical librarian and communications manager who gets nervous when she doesn’t have something to read. She loves descriptive writing and has authored and edited a book and numerous other publications. Contact her at pblair919@aol.com.