Happiness Is….?

 

Remember the Snoopy book “Happiness Is…” ? My favorite line back then was, “Happiness is a warm puppy”, but then I was only child who dreamed of having a dog. Now, I still love a warm puppy, but I have a different take on happiness. Today I believe Happiness is: having a good family life, good health, and a good job.

By family, I mean having significant close relationships. I find that for most people, if they are not happy with their key relationships, they are generally unhappy in many aspects of their lives.

By health, I mean both physical and mental, and yes, I do believe they are inextricably connected.

By a good job, first and foremost I mean having a job. Being out of work creates misery. The next step would be having work which combines your passions with your unique talents in a healthy work environment.

So, how do you achieve all three? Due to time constraints, these three pillars of happiness often compete for your attention and energy. Furthermore, in a couple relationship one person’s interests can compete with the other persons interests.

Getting all of this in balance is a monumental struggle. Then, just when you think you have it figured out, something happens which throws off the balance. Every couple I know has struggled to sustain the right balance. Those who have succeeded have stayed together, and frequently, those who have failed, break up.

So based upon 43 years of marriage and practice as a psychologist, here is some advice on achieving and maintaining happiness in a family relationship:

1. Have visions of success in all three realms: Family, Health, and Career
2. Communicate your individual visions of success with your partner and discuss how you can achieve your dreams together.
3. Build trust and honesty in your key relationships. If you do not trust one another, you cannot be happy or successful.
4. Communicate everyday on how you are progressing toward your desired future
5. Recognize that you will face many adversities along the way. Some can be expected and anticipated, while others will catch you by surprise. Either way, having faith in yourself and your relationships will enable you to adjust your plan and achieve happiness.

 

What is happiness to you? I’d love to hear your response in the comment section below!