What’s the fastest way to find happiness? Some might think it involves leaving everything behind and heading to a serene monastery in places like Hong Kong’s Lantau Island or the Himalayas. In these peaceful spots, there’s simple living—pure food, fresh air, and minimal stress.
But for most of us, that’s not a realistic escape. We’re caught up in jobs, families, and the hustle and bustle of city life. So, as we step into a new year, it raises an important question: is happiness something we discover, or is it something we create?
For a long time, philosophers and religious leaders explored what “the good life” meant. Nowadays, psychologists have taken the lead on this topic. They focus on a new perspective: happiness isn’t a final destination; it’s a skill we need to develop.
Over the years, ideas about happiness have changed. Many now agree that finding joy often requires shifting our focus away from material things. A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies showed that people who prioritize experiences over possessions report greater satisfaction in life. It’s about being content with what we have, appreciating who we are, and cultivating kindness toward others.
The consensus is clear. Practicing gratitude, engaging in meaningful connections, and staying present can enhance our sense of wellbeing. There’s even evidence that physical acts, like volunteering or helping a friend, boost our happiness levels significantly.
Social media trends highlight this shift too. Hashtags like #GratitudeJournal and #KindnessMatters are popular among users sharing their journeys toward joy. It shows people are not just searching for happiness but actively working on it.
In the end, happiness seems to be less about dramatic changes and more about small, daily habits. As experts suggest, building this “muscle” of happiness can improve our overall quality of life.
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Professor Laurie Santos, Yale University, happiness, Gelong Thubten, mindfulness, meditation, psychoanalysis, Buddhist monk, Sonja Lyubomirsky, University of California, Riverside, Jean-Paul Sartre, Thomas Aquinas, Buddhism, Hong Kong, Martin Seligman, Epicurus, Taoists, Peter Cave, Albert Camus, Abraham Maslow, Socrates, Plato, Sigmund Freud, St Augustine, American Psychological Association, Aristotle
